FALL 2026  |  Dear Alumni,

When I attended Schreiner, I understood that my academic scholarship was something I had earned. But I also knew that a complete stranger to me had paid for it. I knew that after I graduated, when I found myself in a position to give back, I would try to “pay it forward.”

It recently made me smile when I realized that I’ve donated to Schreiner for 35 consecutive years. I’m 57, which means I started giving right after I graduated at the ripe old age of 22. But here’s the thing… while I managed to never miss a year, many of those annual gifts were just five or ten bucks! The “Nye Family Alumni Center” isn’t being built quite yet! 😊

I’m not sharing my giving history to compare, and definitely not to brag. Everyone has their own financial circumstances and personal reasons for giving. I’m sharing because I know many of you are proud of your school and would love to give back, BUT you may think your small gift isn’t worth it or that you should wait until you can give more.

I’m grateful that someone along the way taught me that giving doesn’t necessarily mean making a big donation. It means making a consistent gift over time. I want you to know that you don’t have to give a lot to make giving a lifelong habit. And, dear alumni, I want you to experience the inner joy that comes from knowing you supported a place that made a big impact on your life.

As a Schreiner employee, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how much thought goes into using the gifts Schreiner receives. Those small gifts add up to support the education, growth, and development of young people, helping prepare them to make a difference in this world.

-Lea Nye ’92
Assistant Director of Development, Alumni Relations

Consider this:

We often tell alumni to “Be a Yes!” by donating any amount to Schreiner during each academic year (June 1–May 31). It doesn’t matter how much you give, when you give, or where you designate your gift. Every alumni donor helps increase Schreiner’s Alumni Giving Rate (AGR). A higher AGR can open doors to additional grants and funding opportunities. Additional funding helps Schreiner grow stronger. A stronger Schreiner means a stronger educational experience and a more valuable degree. A valuable degree can help YOU build a successful career, creating opportunities to continue your own giving journey.

And the circle continues! It all starts with saying YES, no matter the size of the gift.

Share your story with us!
We’d love to hear all about any updates in our alumni’s lives, big or small – new careers, marriages, children, interesting trips, or whatever else you’d like to share. Submit your story here and it may be featured in future newsletters!

Update your information here
Fill out our online form to update your contact information with us so that we can stay in touch!