Wednesday, April 12, marks the third annual GW Flag Day, a campus-wide effort to educate students, faculty and staff about the ways in which philanthropy enhances the Colonial experience.
GW students consistently rank among the most service-oriented college students in the US. As members of the Millennial Generation, they seek to focus their philanthropy on organizations and causes that can demonstrate positive impact on the world.
To better understand what motivates Elliott School students to choose to give back to GW, we interviewed Pranav Nanda, B.A. ’17, the school’s 2017 Senior Class Gift Campaign Coordinator.
Elliott 360- How do Millennials think about philanthropy as opposed to how their parents think about it?
Nanda- I think Millennials are more philanthropically inclined than their parents. Over the past 20 years, there has been a shift in how people view philanthropy, and it is no longer something that only super wealthy individuals do. It is something that everyone should do.
Elliott 360- GW students are among the most volunteer-oriented students at mid-sized universities. Do you see evidence of this on campus?
Nanda- One of the amazing things about GW is that it provides so many different volunteer opportunities for students. Whether it is participating in a service trip through the GW Alternative Breaks Program, working on a fundraising initiative with GW Relay for Life, or taking a Service Learning class, there is something for every student to become passionate about. I think the passion for service that students at GW have is second to none and is one of the things which truly make GW an amazing community.
Elliott 360- What do you think makes GW students so service-oriented?
Nanda- The importance of service is something that is instilled in GW students from the moment they arrive on campus. A core part of the GW identity is the concept of “deeds not words.” The many opportunities to serve is one of the major reasons why I chose GW.
Elliott 360- Why do you personally give back to GW?
Nanda- I have had an incredible experience at GW and have had the opportunity to meet and connect with amazing students, faculty and staff. I truly believe that GW is a special community whose members will one day change the world – and that GW provides them with the tools and opportunities to do so. I give back to GW so that future students are able to become part of this special community and so that the opportunities I took advantage of will continue to benefit future students.
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