Looking back on my time as a student at SMUS I remember it as one of the best experiences I have been fortunate enough to have. The lifelong friendships made, the inspiring environment in which I was able to learn and play, the opportunities for mentorship by incredible teachers, the deep connections that continued well after graduation; it was never lost on me just how special SMUS was, and it is especially not lost on me now. As an alumna of the school, and now a current parent and member of the Advancement team, I can’t help but feel grateful to be a part of this community and to be connected to so many of you in so many ways.
Of the numerous conversations I have had about our school with parents, students, alumni and even those without a direct connection to the school, the one thing that is constant in almost all of them is the strong sense of community that exists here. It’s palpable, it’s unique, and it’s deeply ingrained in who we are. I have yet to find this same sense of community anywhere else, and to me it demonstrates the belief that SMUS is an investment well made.
I am very proud of the work the Advancement team does to support the school’s mission, to actively engage and foster community, to deliver on the student experience and to support Floreat, our new 10-year strategic plan. Of course, none of this would be possible without the commitment and support of our community.
You will have heard the word ‘participation’ throughout the year as it relates to the Annual Appeal. As valued members of the SMUS community, we ask that each family participate by making a donation at a level that is comfortable and meaningful to them.
The Annual Appeal, celebrating 'Every Student. Every Opportunity,' is for every one of us, meaning it is ours to support, and ours to benefit from. The goal of 100% participation is measured according to how many members of our community give, rather than the amount of their contribution. That means a smaller gift moves the needle just as much as a larger contribution. As you know, all gifts to SMUS help us aim higher and serve to amplify the education and experience we offer our students, whose competence, confidence and character will be called upon to make a difference in this world.
We are grateful to our community of donors made up of alumni, parents, staff and faculty, grandparents and friends who choose to give back to our school through their philanthropy. Simply put, SMUS would not look and feel the way it does without this support.
For more information about Advancement at SMUS or to discuss participating in the Annual Appeal please reach out to me at [email protected] or by phone at 250-896-1011. I would be delighted to meet with you.
On behalf of our students, thank you for your commitment and generosity.
Did you know?
- Many companies will match contributions from their employees to registered charities like SMUS. These gifts must be initiated by the employee so please contact your organization to see if it has a matching program.
- A tax receipt will be issued for all eligible donations.
- You can make a difference for as little as $20/month. Please contact the Advancement Office at 250-370-6132 to set up monthly giving.
