New Student Board Builds Culture of Philanthropy

The newly formed Institutional Advancement Student Board (IASB) is working to build a culture of philanthropy among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. While gaining practical board experience, students learn about and promote the importance of philanthropy at the Carlson School, design and manage a comprehensive fundraising campaign, and build connections with alumni and donors.

Senior Jasmine Nguyen joined the board last year. Hailing from the Washington, D.C., area, Nguyen chose to attend the Carlson School in large part because of the scholarship support she received.

“I wouldn’t be able to attend the Carlson School if I had not earned that scholarship,” Nguyen says. “So I looked at the Institutional Advancement Student Board as a way to give back and gain a greater appreciation of how much of our experience as students happens because of donors.”

During its first year, board members organized and encouraged student involvement in events and activities that foster a lasting awareness and appreciation of philanthropy at the Carlson School. That includes Gopher Gratitude, Give to the Max Day, and Farewelcome. In addition, they educated fellow students throughout the year about how philanthropy affects their student experience and what philanthropy makes possible at the Carlson School. And they planned, managed, and solicited peers for gifts to the Carlson School as part of the annual class gift campaign.

“It’s important to understand where these resources come from,” Nguyen says. “There is a lot of work done by people behind the scenes to bring us mental health services, support efforts in DEI, and so much more. I was so happy to be part of this board and help support the causes that are most important to me as a student.”

“We love to see students get involved and give back while they’re still at the school,” says Aleah Van Horne, ’15 BSB, the assistant director of annual giving and program lead. “All of the students on the board are passionate about the Carlson School and committed to its success as a leader in business education.”