Melissa Shore ¡¯11 Reke: Giving back since graduation

(Generosity Matters is a series of spotlight stories about alumni who give back to Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.)

It's unusual to find students or very recent graduates who understand the importance of giving back to those institutions and causes that helped shape their lives.

But for Melissa Shore ¡¯11 Reke, she learned that lesson from her mom, gave her first gift to Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø during her senior year, and has given every year since.

¡°My mother attended Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, and I always remember her making a gift each year," Reke said. "My mother demonstrated the value of giving back, which made an impact on me. I continue to follow her example of generosity.¡±

She says generosity is an important core value in her life.

¡°I appreciate all of the experiences I had at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø that have shaped me into the person I am today," she shared. "Giving a gift to Augie is a way for me to give back to a place that gave me so much.¡±

Through her gifts, Reke hopes more students will be able to have diverse and rich learning opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Reke, a division engagement specialist for Thrivent Financial in Cincinnati, Ohio, understands the difference a liberal arts education can make.

¡°I think the most important work Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø does is to teach students to think critically about issues and learn how to collaborate with individuals who are different from themselves,¡± she said.

These are skills she uses every day in her job. ¡°I am a remote employee, working with deployed teams across America, so I often leverage my communication and leadership skills I developed while at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.¡±

Reke also gives of her time and talent by serving on the Alumni Board for the past three years. She now has a greater understanding of the importance of alumni giving.

¡°Every gift makes a difference!" she explained. "I didn¡¯t realize for the longest time that the percentage of alumni who give makes an impact. Every gift, no matter the amount, helps make a positive impact on both the college ranking and on students¡¯ lives.¡±

Reke's generosity also extends to her community. She recently began volunteering as an urban gardener to help distribute fresh vegetables to individuals in a transitional housing program that helps the homeless and struggling families get a second chance in life. Her Senior Inquiry project at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø was on food insecurity.

¡°Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø provides a wonderful liberal arts education that equips students to make a positive impact in the communities in which they live and work after graduation,¡± Reke said. ¡°The core skills developed at Augie prepare students for whatever is next in their lives.

¡°I am thankful for all the experiences and relationships I had while at Augie. I hope my gift can help another student have a similar experience.¡±