still counts as a bday68 gift to me...

I've been a bit busy, so this annual part of my birthday ritual was delayed.

Today, Kiva sent me an email that I still had money available to lend.

No time like the present to gift someone with support!

I chose Rasha, an educator in Israel who is helping her students fight those who bully others.

Here's the message I sent to the other Nerdfighters on my team.

 

As I told them, I once had my office as a Safe Space for any and all who needed a listening ear and an open mind.

That was during my time as a full-time assistant professor in the Chemistry Department at Armstrong Atlantic State University, and beyond when I was back to adjunct status, before the merger deleted my position entirely.

I've been retired since May of 2018, but I still recall how grateful students were to have a safe, non-bullying, environment that welcomed and supported them so they could concentrate on their studies.

Rasha has requested a rather large loan, which is why I sent the message to the other nerds like me.

I also posted a message on her loan page.

"As a retired professor whose office once provided safe haven to all students, I know the importance of this work. Wishing her much more success!"

I'm glad that she has the support of several schools who recognize the importance of her work.

She has a month to raise the funds she needs to expand her program.

Anyone can help, using this link.

Thanks!

hallelujah for family

more soon...

student aid

At the beginning of each new school year, in the fall, the University has a drive to raise funds for on-campus projects. The campaign is called First Day, but it is held through the end of the first month.
Today is the end of First Day.
For those who gave above a certain threshold amount, the school offered a special gift, hoping to encourage folks to be generous. After all, the threshold was only US$125.
The First Day campaign even allowed donors to select a general fund or specific projects for the money to support. Nice! I chose the Science Bowl project, partly because I participate with that project as a reader every January and February, but also because it encourages an interest in science for high school students. I recall fondly the science projects I was fortunate enough to be part of in middle school and high school. I know firsthand what a postitive impact that has had on my life and am proud to be able to "pay it forward", so to speak.
As I was saying, the University set up a reward program for First Day donors. The picture above is one of eight notecards I received, each with a different photograph taken on campus grounds.
Very nice!
I look forward to using each and every one of the cards!