Proud alumnus promotes student philanthropy
Evan Nicoll, who graduated in 2012 and is a member of the Tulane development staff, coaches current Tulane students about how to encourage their classmates to participate in the Class Challenge. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
Whether with a bowtie, polo shirt or imprinted sunglasses, Evan Nicoll flaunts the Tulane University shield every workday.
Nicoll found his Green Wave pride as a Tulane student when he served as the Undergraduate Student Government president and earned a bachelor"s degree in 2012. Now he"s back, working full-time as the Tulane Fund class officer for young alumni and student philanthropy in the university"s development office, encouraging current students to show their own Tulane bravado by participating in the Class Challenge, which launches today (Oct. 22).
“As a student, I had no idea how much I was benefitting from the support of Tulane alumni and friends.”—Evan Nicoll, class of 2011
“The idea is to raise awareness about how philanthropy impacts the Tulane experience,” Nicoll said. “As a student, I had no idea how much I was benefitting from the support of Tulane alumni and friends.”
The Class Challenge pits undergraduate classes against each other in a three-week fundraising competition based on participation rather than dollar amount.
Money raised will support the Tulane Fund, which provides financial aid to students among other priorities.
Nicoll said he fell in love with Tulane from the start.
“I love Tulane because no matter how much I give to the university time, talent or treasure Tulane always gives it back to me a thousandfold,” he said, “between the experiences I"ve had and the friendships I"ve been able to forge.”
Nicoll hopes the Class Challenge will foster a habit in Tulanians to give back to their community. Just like he did.
“When ranking schools, many college indexes look at alumni participation,” he said. “If students who give to the Class Challenge continue giving as young alumni, it will directly affect the value of all of our degrees.”
The main motivator for student participation, though, is the pride factor. The championing group gets bragging rights and a party at 2 Audubon Place with President Mike Fitts.
And there"s also the giveaways Nicoll"s idea like koozies and buttons that will be ubiquitous across campus. Because Nicoll can never have enough Tulane swag.
Maggy Baccinelli is a communications specialist in the Tulane Office of Development Communications.
