Member of Student Alumni Council says Boost the ’Cuse was inspiring

Dear Editor,

As a member of the Class of 2020, I am celebrating the success of Boost the ’Cuse, Syracuse University’s 44 hours of giving. Watching our greater community come together to expand the resources and programs that define the student experience was inspiring. Thank you to all who participated and thank you for your generosity and commitment to the advancement of Syracuse University. A special thank you to the classes of 2020, 2023, 2022, 2014 and 2018 who finished at the top of the Boost the ’Cuse leaderboard.

As a first-generation American student, I dreamt about conducting research, completing internships and studying abroad. Those dreams became reality thanks to the philanthropic support of our incredible network.

At the end of my first year, a scholarship helped me to relocate so I could participate in a coveted internship. Philanthropy made that possible — it also expands immersion programs, provides resources for students of all backgrounds, and builds facilities like the Barnes Center to improve student well-being.

My support for philanthropy, specifically student philanthropy, has increased during my time at SU. Each member of this community can be part of something greater and leave a legacy. This is why I chose to get involved with the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council. Heading into Boost the ’Cuse, FOSAC set a goal of encouraging 44 student donors to give. We set a realistic goal because we understand that giving can be difficult amidst personal circumstances. When we surpassed the goal just a few hours in, we were blown away, and we continued to set new goals. By the end, nearly 600 student donors participated—and that number will grow as we await final numbers.

Alumni and students alike share similar aspirations for Syracuse University. Efforts like Boost the ’Cuse make me proud to be Orange and remind me why I chose to be part of this community. Giving a small gift, choosing where it is allocated, and knowing that it adds to larger efforts is empowering. This is what it means to be Orange, and I am thankful to the more than 6,200 donors who agree. As we celebrate 150 years of Syracuse University, we look forward to becoming stronger for the next 150 and beyond—as a family that is Forever Orange.

Sincerely,

Andrew Regalado ’20

President and Chairman

2019-2020 Forever Orange Student Alumni Council