Students to donors: You fuel our passion for learning!

The pandemic wasn’t about to stop our students from letting ‘Berg donors know how thankful they are for the opportunities their generosity and support provide! On Thursday, the Student Alumni Association, with support from the Office of Alumni Engagement, led the ninth annual TAG (Thank A Giver) Day as part of National Student Philanthropy Month.  “Tags” were placed on buildings and other locations on campus that exist because of donor support.  Students, faculty and staff also wore “tag” stickers as their efforts at Heidelberg are also supported by donor generosity. 

Read why some of the Student Alumni Association members and Heidelberg students are thankful for donor generosity below.

David Haines, '22
"I’m thankful for donors because they have given me the ability to study what I love, in a place that I love."

Rachel Gerken, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because, without them, I wouldn't be able to be where I am today. Because of donors, I am able to graduate in May with a degree in Math/Science Middle Childhood Education and soon have my very own classroom, where I can leave an impact on my future students."

Maram Alforgani, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because without them I would not have met my best friends, I wouldn't have the chance to see my best friends smile and being able to succeed and follow their dreams of all of what they do academically and nonacademically. They are the reason behind many smiles and happy cries, and for that, I will forever be grateful to them."

Kathleen Brady, '22
"I am thankful for donors because they care about students and their futures. Because of donors, I will be able to pursue an MBA following undergrad while playing the sport I love! Thank you donors!" 

Autumn Simpson, '21
"I am thankful for donors to grant me the opportunity to attend Heidelberg and receive a top notch education. Day in and day out I am provided unique experiences to strengthen my teacher skill set to enhance educational experiences for many generations of students to come." 

Amanda Overy, '21
"I’m thankful for donors because without their support and the amazing opportunities they give us, I wouldn’t have been able to study abroad or step out of my comfort zone when I was a freshman." 

Briana Smith, '21 
"I’m thankful for donors because they give me the ability to take advantage of the PlusOneAdvantage® program to earn my MBA for free at Heidelberg."

Stephanie Drapp, '22
"I am thankful for donors because they give me opportunities to pursue what inspires and excites me. Their generosity fuels my passion for learning. I can't thank them enough!"

Christina Mealwitz, '21
"I am so thankful for our Heidelberg donors because with their help and support, I have been able to go on alternative break trips and participate in many groups and organizations on campus! You have made my Heidelberg experience one I will treasure forever!"

Madisyn Gossard, '22
"I am thankful for the donors who help out with our cadaver / animal lab. Dissecting on a cadaver helps prepare me for my future in graduate school. Thank you donors!"

Ben Heinlein, '24
"The generous donors of Heidelberg allow me to pursue my dreams and fill my college career with opportunities that are unlike any other!"

Courtney Moggio, '22
"As a Biology Major/Chemistry Minor, I am extremely thankful for all of our top of the line science equipment. Having the opportunity to experience things like a cadaver lab and animal labs is not only helpful in our learning now, but will be helpful when we go on to graduate programs! Thank You!"

Stefania Fiume, '21
"I am an exchange student and I am going back home this May. However, because of COVID the university adopted different measures and I was facing a hard time and higher cost. Thanks to the donors, I was able to apply for the Dash Grant which helped me during the winter break period. I'm glad and thankful of all the persons participating in this action because their fund helped me overcoming an expected expensive period and in this way I was able to enjoy my stay even though times were tough. Thank you so much to whomever made this possible!"

Gillian Duer, '21
"Thankful for donors who donate money to groups on campus so that way they can hold events that benefit the student body. Thank you all for your help!"

Elizabeth Vincent, '22
"I am extremely thankful for Heidelberg donors because without them many students that are on campus that are working towards there degree would not be offered the opportunity to do so without donors and scholarships available!"

Taylor Wietrzykowski, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because without them, staying for the PlusOneAdvantage would not be possible!"

Abby Chapman, '23
"I will always be thankful for the Heidelberg donors. They help keep our campus be gorgeous and help us out with so much. The softball field wouldn't be there today if it wasn't for a donor and I couldn't be more thankful for that field. The Heidelberg donors are such a blessing."

Rebecca Eppard, '24
"I am thankful for the Heidelberg donors because without them I probably wouldn't be able to attend. My parents do not make a lot of money and there are three children in my family, so going to a college that we could afford was at the top of my list. They also did an amazing job with the new stained glassed windows in Rickley Chappel."

Eric Evans, '24
"I am thankful for them for all the scholarship opportunities and the resources they provide to help further our education. Thanks to donations we are able to do things like Greek life and restarting the Heidelberg marching band."

Taylor Richardson, '22
"The support of our donors allows students in the school of Music and Theatre to grow and learn about the real life industry through tech and other equipment while still in undergrad."

Dani Roll, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors making it possible to keep our campus well updated and a great environment to be in!"

Camryn Hedrick, '24
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because their generosity brings student opportunities to new heights!"

Adrian Barman, '23
"I am thankful for our donors because they allow us to do what we do! Their donations have a direct impact on all Heidelberg students, and we are so thankful for them!"

Ben Heinlein, '24
"With the generous donations of our donors, I am able to make my dreams become reality!"

Mollie Gabriel, '24
"They make it possible for all the amazing things we are able to have on campus. Their donations help Heidelberg be the best for their students and staff and we can't thank them enough for helping us students make the most of this experience."

David Drushal, '22
"I'm thankful for you as you have not only helped Heidelberg provide resources for us students but also helped the entire student body get through this tough and unusual school year and for that I thank you."

Kimberly Tuck, '24
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because it gives all of the students at Heidelberg the opportunity to learn and grow in all aspects of their life. Attending a liberals college is a unique experience filled with so much opportunity to better yourself as a learner and citizen. None of this would be possible without the support of Heidelberg donors."

Kelsey Stanfield, '24
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because of the opportunities I have thanks to their generosity! Donations have allowed organizations that I am involved with to put on events that allow students to interact with one another and bond over shared interests. Indirectly, donors foster lifelong friendships on campus, one of the most valuable things students gain during their time at Heidelberg."

Vanessa Shanaman, '24
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because I love this school and they are allowing me to continue to have life-changing experiences here!"

Crimson Stuckert, '24
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because without their scholarship funds I would not be here!"

Nick Salm, '24
"I am thankful for the donors because they care so much about us and want to make sure our school is as great as it can be."

Kaitlyn Keefe, '24
"Heidelberg Donors get to help impact the lives of us Heidelberg students and even if they don't currently go here, they still get to feel like a part of our little community!"

Liliane Helms, '24
"Without our wonderful donors many students at Heidelberg would probably struggle to stay in college because of finances. The donations help lower costs for a variety of things and keeps our campus updated and safe."

Audrey Kaufman, '23
"I am so thankful for Heidelberg donors because they give me the opportunity to have the greatest college education I could ask for. I am confident that the financial support they give Heidelberg will help me be the best future educator I can possibly be!"

Mackenzie Murray, '24
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because with their support they allow for us students to have amazing opportunities on campus and engage into campus more especially through all the hoops that COVID has made the students and staff jump through."

Christina Mealwitz, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors for many reasons. Without their generosity, I would not be where I am today! I have been able to take advantage of many trips, events, and conferences! Thank you so so much for making my Heidelberg experience one that I will treasure forever!"

Paige Allen-Marsh, '21
"I am thankful for the donors who helped contribute to the cadaver lab! Cause I have never felt like I belong somewhere more than that lab, and I'm so grateful for every hour I get to be in there!"

Mallory Perry, '22
"Thank you so much for continuing to make sure that Heidelberg is able to provide opportunities for all students no matter their background!"

Nicole Brickner, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because without them I wouldn't be here doing what I love and learning more from my studies every day."

Emily Fox, '22
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because their compassion helps ensure that I get the quality education that I need to succeed in my future endeavors!"

Kennedy Shreve, '21
"I am thankful for the Heidelberg donors because my education would not have been as well-rounded without their endless support."

Emily Bogard, '21
"I am thankful for everything the donors have provided for us. Without them, we wouldn't be Heidelberg."

Ryan Newman, '22
"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to continue our academic and individual growths!"

Julia Schaefer, '24
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because they help maintain our beautiful campus. I'm thankful that I get to go to school in such a historic place."

Madeleine Szawranskyj, '22
"For keeping Heidelberg up and running, allowing me and all my friends and peers to get an education to pursue a career we love, while getting the college experience."

Sydney Shaffer, '22
"My education is one of the most important aspects of my life and Heidelberg donors have invested so much into the education of the university's students. I am grateful that they selflessly give to the university to better my education!"

Sophia Lee, '24
"I am thankful for the Heidelberg donors because they give us the opportunity to expand our education, and allow us to have a better future."

Madeline Deiderick, '22
"I would not be able to attend this school without the generous donors and they also help to keep it beautiful and up to date!"

Alyssa Amor, '24
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because they allow us to have the facilities that we do."

Kaiden Murphy, '23
"Without the donors I wouldn't be able to be here or have the experiences I've had. Thank you!"

Zack Dillon, '23
"I'm very thankful for the Heidelberg donors because it's with their support that I am able to develop my education and career readiness."

Madison Sharp, '23
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because the help relieve the stress on not only me but many other students. They also help keep the campus on top shape and safe!"

Meredith Bruce, '23
"They help us to achieve our lifetime goals and make it possible to continue going to Heidelberg!"

Paige Leitner, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because I wouldn't be able to attend Heidelberg without them. They keep our campus functioning and beautiful."

Vaiden Mallonn, '24
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because they allow me to pursue my degree and become a teacher in the future!"

Jeanna Fullom, '23
"I am thankful for donors because without them I wouldn't be able to get the hands on experience I need for grad school. Thank you donors!"

Lucas Withrow, '24
"I am thankful for donors because they allow me and many others to pursue or dreams of higher education to improve ourselves and our communities."

Daniel Orozco,'24
"I am thankful because I was able to receive financial aid without which I would have not been able to get through to this semester."

Hannah Ours, '22
"I'm thankful for donors because they are the reason that I am able to attend this amazing university! My academic scholarship is really helping me and I won't graduate with a lot of student debt. Also, I appreciate Heidelberg donors for their contribution to the sciences. I am a biology major and I appreciate all of the equipment that has been provided because of donors. Top notch science equipment is provided due to the generosity of our donors and I truly appreciate that! I hope some day I am in the position to support Heidelberg the way that our current donors do!"

Jamie Whitney, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors making it possible for me to attend Heidelberg for my four years and make this campus as beautiful as it truly is. I also am thankful for the donors that I can now call professional connections after I graduate."

Sophia Huber, '21
"Thankful for your support every year!"

Cassey Bolyard, '23
"I am very thankful for donors because without them, I would not be able attend this university and would not be able to obtain the education I need for my future career!"

Jacqueline Kaskel, '23
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because they've helped support and build my home away from home."

Kendall Wright, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because not only am I able to do what I need academically, but I am blessed with the social aspects of campus and being able to build myself as a better person/friend, outside of the classroom, through my extra curriculars."

Eli Allen, '22
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because it allows me to attend this university!"

Rebecca Helt, '21
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors for making it possible to attend this university that's so much more like a home than a school. Because of your generous donations, students like me are able to open doors they never thought they'd reach and pursue goals that were previously only dreams. Thank you for all you do for us!"

Taylor Ramsey, '21
Thank you Heidelberg donors for everything! We appreciate you!"

Cody Bertke, '22
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because I get to be a part of a great group in my fraternity, Excelsior Men's Society."

Noah Kennard, '23
"Without them I wouldn't be here at this great institution."

Shelby Miller, '21
"I am thankful for donors because without them I would not be here and graduating with my 2nd degree in May! Their generosity has allowed me to continue my academics and athletics at the same time."

Winter Moon, '22
"I'm thankful because every donation helps out our campus in so many ways."

Lauren Mussig, '22
"I appreciate that they donate to facilities that help me further my education!"

Leah Rieger, '22
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because they supply us with opportunities that not a lot of other schools and students are able to enjoy and influence their education!"

Madalyn Newby, '23
"For the amazing facilities and opportunities I have because of what donors do for us at Heidelberg!"

Micah Mydloski, '22
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because they have allowed us to continue to keep classes going while also making improvements during these tough times."

Kayla McCoy, '23
"I am thankful because I am able to have a great experience at Heidelberg because of our thoughtful donors. I am thankful for the things I am able to do and participate in, because of our donors!"

Janessa Shortridge, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because it allows me to have the college experience that I have always wanted."

Kelsey Custenborder, '23
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because they help keep buildings and other parts of campus updated and nice for students."

Rachel Ensman, '21
"I am thankful for donors because of the beautiful buildings they allow to exist on campus. They've helped create a campus that I will greatly miss after graduation."

Ethan Gallant, '21
"I am especially thankful for donors this year, because I know that a lot of the opportunities we have had on campus this year can be attributed to the support of donors. COVID-19 had the potential to make this school year much worse, but thanks to donors we were able to have as close to a normal year as possible."

Jerett Sowers, '24
"This campus is beautiful, due to the funds provided by many donors and Heidelberg alumni. Thank you to all those people!"

Rylee Tomsic, '22
"They always provide a way for us to accomplish our goals & help students succeed"

Nicole Thomas, '24
"Without then our college education wouldn't be possible or would be a complete different experience."

Sophia Weaver, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because they allow us to have so many amazing opportunities and continue to improve our Sweet Alma Home!"

Justin See, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because they have allowed me to worry less about any financial obligations and more on continuing my education, which has inspired me and will allow me to give back to others in my future!"

Alyssa Edmond, '21
"Without Heidelberg donors I wouldn't have met my best friends and wouldn't be able to have attended a university that lets me thrive."

Katelyn Wansik, '26
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because it provides us with the resources we need to succeed at Heidelberg University."

Liana Petitti, '23
"I am so thankful for Heidelberg donors because without their support I wouldn't be able to come to this school. I have been lucky enough to receive some scholarships from donors that have significantly helped me."

Sarah Oney, '22
"They provide opportunities to support our school and further our education through technology!"

Alexis Calhoun, '22
"They keep our campus updated and give us better opportunities!"

Caitlyn Weirich, '24
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because the thought of alumni giving back to their alma mater for students who attend today is really thoughtful and something that gives students so many different options, rewards, and chances to come to Heidelberg!"

Joshua Stephens, '21
"Thank you for making my Heidelberg experience a great one! Please keep doing what you're doing so you can allow students to keep making fantastic memories!"

Anna Cavanaugh, '21
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because without their support, I would not be receiving the same educational opportunities that I have been granted with. Their support has enabled me to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher."

Madison Curtner, '22
"Without our generous donors, many of us students would not be able to live out our dreams of pursuing a higher education to do what we have always wanted to!"

Lindsey Robinson, '20
"I'm thankful for donors because without them the much needed improvements to campus couldn't take place!"

Riley Bartels, '22
"I'm thankful because without university scholarships and grants I could not attend Heidelberg. They also improve the athletic department and make sure we have the best gear, meals, and transportation."

Gracie Abner, '23
"I'm thankful for Heidelberg donors because without them, I would not be able to pursue my education as a future teacher and follow my dreams."

Jessica Martini, '22
"I am thankful for Heidelberg donors because they make it possible for us to have outstanding resources for education such as computer labs, cadavers, etc."

Zac Belko, '22
"Donors allow me to participate in organizations and help me learn leadership roles while in them."

Jessalyn Adkins, '22
"I'm thankful for the Heidelberg donors because, without them, I wouldn't be able to attend college! I know many people are like me where college is expensive, and it really helps when some of the pressure is taken off with the donors' gifts! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"