Leaving a Legacy of Education
There is this old man on the side of a road that connects two villages, who is trying to plant a sapling. A young passerby asks the old man what he is doing. The old man replies that he is planting this shade tree. “But, says the young man, it’ll be years before it can provide any shade and you will be long gone by then.” “It’s not for me,” replies the old man. “I have already made use of the shade from trees planted by others – this one is for the future travelers.”
“So you see, all my life,” Shanti stated, “I have rested in the shade of the trees I didn't plant. I have been warmed by the fires I did not light and I have quenched my thirst from the wells I didn't dig. So in gratitude, this is my little effort at planting a sapling.” Shanti is actually Dr. Rajagopal Shantaram, a Foundation for Mott Community College Board Member but is affectionately called Shanti. He admits to resting in the shadows of shade trees most of his life.
During the naming ceremony for the Student Life Center, Shanti shared his inspiration and reasoning for giving back to MCC as the Student Life Center was named for his loving parents G. Radhabai (RA-da-boy) and A.V. Rajagopal (RAJ-a-go-pal). His parents’ dedicated conviction to education was the impetus for bestowing the generous monetary honor as he recalled an ancient Indian folk story.
You must know that your donation makes a world of difference to our students. Your gift gives someone a future, someone else an opportunity, someone else a second, third or even fourth chance at a better life. In these uncertain economic times, your gift is so vitally important and the need is so great. The Foundation for Mott Community College plays a pivotal role in ensuring that MCC’s doors are open to the entire community, and individuals like you and my friend Shanti play a major role as well – providing exemplary support.
Your unwavering support is a constant source of comfort and encouragement for us. MCC would not be as successful as it is today without you. I can promise you that. So, I hope you’ll look into your heart and make as generous a contribution as possible. Believe me, you are making a direct impact. Please consider making a gift at this time. Go ahead, plant that sapling today!
Sincerely,
Lennetta B. Coney,
President
The Foundation for Mott Community College
The Foundation for Mott Community College cannot do it alone. It needs your help and financial support to continue touching as many lives as possible. Please consider making a donation today.
The Mott Community College Foundation offers gifting options to promote higher education at Mott Community College. Donations may be pledged and given over time. To make an outright gift, please click on “I Want To Help!” or contact us to discuss establishing a fund or making a deferred/planned gift.
| Giving Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
Annual Giving Campaign |
|
Endowed Scholarship |
A minimum gift of $10,000 will endow a perpetual scholarship that will continue to support Mott students forever. |
Named Scholarship |
A minimum gift of $5,000 with an annual balance of the same will enable the donor to designate the name of an individual(s) based on scholastic merit or financial need. - Current Scholarships |
General Scholarship |
A third scholarship option is to give to the general scholarship fund, which assists students in need or for academic merit every semester. There is not a minimum. |
Endowed Faculty Chairs |
The college also provides endowed faculty chairs, which allow select teaching professionals to take on special projects to enhance learning at Mott. The minimum contribution is $50,000. |
Endowment Growth Initiative |
|
Programs and Special Projects |
Gifts of any size may support program advancement, special projects and undesignated gifts for areas of the most need. |
Facility Naming |
|
Deferred/Planned Gifts |
Donors who remember Mott Community College in their wills and estate plan become part of a growing number of individuals who are leaving a meaningful legacy. |
Matching Opportunities |
