‘Soar beyond our limits’: Student expresses gratitude to major donors

It’s all about celebrating and supporting student success.

That was the overarching theme of Thursday night’s inaugural Givers Gala, an engaging and energy-filled dinner event that honored the alumni and friends whose major donations have sustained Heidelberg over the years.

The Givers Gala was the official kickoff of “Peace, Love, and Heidelberg,” Alumni Weekend 2024, which runs through Sunday. And kicking off the Givers Gala was President Rob Huntington.

“This evening is all about a celebration of the love that grows so powerful,” he said as he welcomed nearly 175 people gathered in the hallowed Wickham Great Hall. “All of you give so generously of your money and time to support … all of our students.”

Board of Trustees Chair Kathy Geier ’78 delivered a greeting from her trustee colleagues, expressing gratitude for “the decades of generosity” and excitement for the future. “We are all enthused about the many exciting initiatives happening at Heidelberg. The level of excitement is palpable,” Kathy said.

One of the highlights of the evening came when rising senior business management major Lillian Robeson shared a message of gratitude to all of the donors for their support of all ‘Berg students.

“I grew up in Dexter, Michigan, with one wish: to play college softball,” Lillian shared. “Although what I initially wanted most from my college experience was to continue to play the sport I love, I have found so much more than what I had hoped for (at Heidelberg).”

“Heidelberg has a way of bringing people together to support one another to accomplish our wildest dreams. It’s all about opportunities to grow.”

Lillian has taken advantage of numerous leadership opportunities within the School of Business. The recipient of a Presidential Scholarship to attend Heidelberg, she also received the Oleson-Wolff Scholarship this year.

“When deciding where to attend college, scholarships were a deciding factor for me. … (they) helped take the financial burden off of my family and me.”

She delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of all Heidelberg students. “I personally want to thank all of the donors for their generosity in creating and contributing to scholarships like the Oleson-Wolff Scholarship,” she said. “Not only do we know we’re in your great hands, but we truly feel the care that each of you holds so deeply for our success.”

The Givers Gala is all about celebrating the generosity and compassion that binds the Heidelberg community together, Lillian said. “On behalf of all of the students at Heidelberg who are also blessed by your generosity, thank you!”

She continued, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of your donations and kind gestures, and I know my classmates feel the same way.

“Your generosity, forward-thinking, and pay-it-forward mindset have given us the opportunity to soar beyond our limits and believe that our dreams are within reach.”

Following Lillian’s remarks, the donors and friends watched a heartwarming video with personal messages of thanks from ‘Berg students whose educational journey they have supported with their giving.

As is tradition, President Huntington, Dr. Susan McCafferty, and Kathy Geier “pinned” the newest members of the Heritage Society. They recently joined more than 350 ‘Berg alumni and friends who have chosen to enrich the future of Heidelberg through the establishment of endowments, deferred gifts, or estate plans.

New members include: Brooks and Trustee Jean Warren ‘80 Gekler (pictured with President Huntington); Kim Kohne Gronsky ‘87 and Lauren Gronsky 2023; Paul ’73 and Regina Kostyu; Katja Rall ’72; and William “BT” ’79 and Sylvia Taylor. Also recognized were the late Kirk and Jacqueline Cox ’67 Neat.