“The bottom line for why I do this is pretty simple – I really want to ‘pay it forward.’ I’m a staunch advocate for STEM, and now for STEAM, and I want Rensselaer to be the university of choice for the brightest men and women. To achieve that, we need to ensure the financial resources are available for them to realize their dreams, and subsequently, change the world.”
The Annual Giving Leadership Council (AGLC), was founded to promote philanthropic support to the Institute. The alumni and alumnae, parents, and other Rensselaer advocates who serve represent a cross-section of volunteers, and promote the Institute by educating others on the importance and impact of giving, make peer to peer solicitations, enhance connections as a Rensselaer ambassador, and provide counsel to staff. Energetic, dedicated, and inspiring volunteer Diane Howard ’82 has been a crucial part of this organization for many years.
Diane’s volunteer involvement began from her first years as an alumna, recruiting students for her company, and acting as corporate liaison for Lockheed Martin, where she helped her fellow graduates maximize their gifts through Corporate Match. By 2003, she was sharing her expertise with the Institute on broader strategic initiatives pertaining to philanthropy and alumni engagement, eventually serving as chair of the AGLC. Thanks to Diane’s dedication, Rensselaer has been able to gain important support for our current students.
When asked why she volunteers, Diane points to a Rensselaer education that gave her the tools and knowledge to launch a successful professional career, for which she is grateful. With an older brother and a twin sister attending Rensselaer at the same time, she recognizes the crucial part scholarships played in her success, and wants others to have that same opportunity.
“It is extremely fulfilling for me to travel to campus each year and see, first-hand, all the incredible advancements that are being made at our alma mater,” says Diane. “I enjoy the opportunity to meet with my friends on the AGLC leadership team, the Institute Advancement team, and the students who are nothing short of amazing.”
“The bottom line for why I do this is pretty simple – I really want to ‘pay it forward.’ I’m a staunch advocate for STEM, and now for STEAM, and I want Rensselaer to be the university of choice for the brightest men and women. To achieve that, we need to ensure the financial resources are available for them to realize their dreams, and subsequently, change the world.”
We thank Diane, and all the alumni and alumnae who serve on the AGLC for their support: Mr. Louis Michael Bellardo ’67, Ms. Patricia S. McCarthy ’76, Dr. Jay Murphy ’67, Mr. Roger B. Orloff ’60, and Mr. Robert S. Sobkowich ’12.