We started this journey together under one premise: we are all alumni. We are all philanthropists too. Philanthropy is not an exclusive term for the mega wealthy. It is giving of our time, talent, treasure, and our ties. ‘Philanthropy comes in so many forms,’ says Deborah Goldstein in her TEDx talk on the universal nature of philanthropy, ‘and we, as a society, should validate and honour each of these contributions and the difference they make to the world’. Time, talent, and treasure is a common definition of philanthropy. Adding ties is particularly relevant to our alumni citizenship. Ties are our alumni capital. Our external networks – employers, friends, companies, children, neighbours – can also benefit from our university connection. This definition of philanthropy is radical. It means giving isn't limited to fundraising appeals from the university's development office. The entire university has a responsibility to enable the philanthropic giving by alumni.

‘The only time I hear from the university is when they ask for money’, declares the alumni grinch. Our cynicism is stirred when stories emerge of major donors steering the direction of the academy. When I am bombarded by a fixed mindset perspective, I reread ‘The College is a Philanthropy, Yes a Philanthropy.’ This article, in The Chronicle of Higher Education, was written by Dick Merriman, then the President of Southwestern College. ‘This college exists as a philanthropy because thousands of people, many of whom you and I will never know, have built it,’ Merriman writes. ‘They built it for your benefit, knowing they would never meet you. The college's facilities, our endowment for scholarships, our mission – all of these have been built, and protected and sustained, for your benefit.’ He sets us this challenge: ‘They were built so you can gain a college education, find and pursue your passion, and commit yourselves to living a valuable life. In short, this college exists so you can become a better person, and, in turn, help make the world a better place.’

Merriman's sentiment may seem utopian. Yet, he makes an impassioned argument on the purpose of an education and why to support it. It may sway opinion. University contributes to our knowledge, skills, networks, and ideas. Our university experience equips us to live the lives we want to live and to help others in the process.