Stonehill's Student Philanthropy Council

By Kyla Smulski

The Student Philanthropy Council is a volunteer group at Stonehill College focused on philanthropy, donor engagement, and connecting students with alumni and donors. The group works with students of all class years who are interested in learning about the role of philanthropy in a college setting. Behind every scholarship and campus event, the council members work to ensure donors see the real impact of their contributions.

 “It’s a really great way to get involved on campus, to be able to not only connect with alumni, but also the donor aspect. Really learn how funding has a huge impact on many aspects of Stonehill life. Like academics, programming, service, and dining, it can provide so many opportunities to enhance the student life at Stonehill,” said senior Oriana Cappella, the president of the council.

Members of the Student Philanthropy Council both facilitate and engage in a range of activities aimed at strengthening the connection between donors and the Stonehill community, from personal outreach and event planning to campus activities.

“Specifically, we do work with folks who have donated to Stonehill in any capacity, or who we anticipate as prospective donors. We do things like phone calls to say thank you, video messages to the current donors to engage them in a new campaign or a new opportunity, or to show the impact of their giving. We have a few signature events that our philanthropy council volunteers support. Luncheons, dinners, as well as meetings alongside advancement staff members,” said Sarah Silva, the Assistant Director of Donor Relations.

Cappella echoed this, highlighting the role students play, not just in participating in new initiatives, but in designing them. “Spring semester, we've been planning what we want to call twilight tours, a service and social justice tour where we were showing some of the donors Campus Ministry and the Commons. Then we are going to the diversity festival that evening. We ask the students who are involved in the council as well if there are some ideas they have. Whether it’s social media, council outreach and recruitment, connecting with more donors, or getting more people back to campus. Especially those who haven't been since they graduated,” she said.

Not only does the Student Philanthropy Council work to strengthen donor relations, but it also increases funding. The council supports scholarships, athletics, and a wide range of campus initiatives.

“...The role of philanthropy is huge in funding all the opportunities we have on campus. When those who have donated can connect directly with students and have opportunities to connect. Those folks are really feeling connected to campus, especially if they’re alumni,” said Silva.

This emphasis on connection, both on and off campus, is reflected in Cappella’s experience as a student leader in the council. She joined the council in her Sophomore year, and over the course of her career at Stonehill, she helped to expand the council and its various roles.

“It was my idea to make the position (of president) as a way to increase my involvement, but also to just commit even more to the recruitment and get the word out about the council as well,” she said. “This is really cool work, and it's awesome that, like, I can expand my networking off campus as well. This is really important for when I'm going to grad school, going to find a job, but also just, I want to make that last impact”.

Not only do students in the council make an impact on campus, but they also make a significant impact on their own lives. Cappella says that students on the Philanthropy Council gain crucial skills such as networking, outreach marketing, communication, public speaking, leadership, event planning, project management, and more. If you are interested in joining the council and advancing these skills but are concerned about the time commitment, there's no need to stress!

“This is an incredibly low-commitment opportunity. We usually have about two meetings per semester. We have students who haven’t been to a meeting, but they’re answering on our Teams chat,” said Silva. 

“The commitment is really not something that is supposed to stress somebody out or put a lot of pressure on them. They say on the document that it’s, like, ten hours for a member per semester, and that includes the events that we host, planning, and meeting times,” Cappella agreed.

Both Silva and Cappella say that the program is growing and always looking for new members, specifically a new president, as Cappella will be graduating this spring.

“I really hope there are more students who get involved and put themselves out there, it’s such a great way to network and enhance their skills. There's a lot of great communication happening, like a lot of interconnectedness. It's continuing to uphold the values of light and hope and the mission of the College, just really emphasizing that having these kinds of relationships is crucial for all of life,” Cappella said.

If you are interested in joining the Student Philanthropy Council or learning more about it, you can email Sarah Silva (ssilva5@stonehill.edu). Cappella is also working to create an Instagram for the council before she graduates, so keep an eye out for that!