 |
|
|
 |
| |
Last Issue:
Tuesday,
December
18
2007
|
|
|
|
|
University Staffer Gives Back to Maryland
By Shilpika Das
 |
Photo by Shilpika Das
|
For Jeanette Prevots, her relationship with the University of Maryland has been more than just a business association. Employed with the university for 17 years, Prevots says hers is a special bondone that does not go unacknowledged.
For nearly two decades, Prevots, manager of the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has carried on a tradition of giving, contributing regularly to various units, including the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), a resource to assist staff and faculty.
Asked why she decided to give to her workplace, she's quick to reply, "Why not?"
"My workplace has been good to me. In addition to salary and benefits, it has provided me and several of my children with the opportunity to get a free college education," says the graduate from University of Maryland University College (UMUC). "The campus' ability to have donated funds come from payroll deduction makes it so easy to contribute."
Prevots spent 10 years in night school, juggling between a family and a full-time job, before she received her business and management degree in 2001.
The 59-year-old mother of five says giving back has almost become a family ritual and is not limited just to campus programs. "There have been years when, instead of giving gifts to family members for Christmas, we sent a check to an organization that we all agreed on," she explains.
It's easy to see why this Maryland resident was awarded Woman of the Year in 1978 by her local Boys and Girls Club for her many contributions. Prevots says this tradition of giving started almost 40 years ago. "When my children were younger, I spent a lot of time doing volunteer work for various organizations. At that time, I didn't have a lot of money but I did have time to donate. My life has turned around now and I don't seem to have much time, so I try to do my part by donating money."
So what makes her give back to the university, year after year?
The former department representative for the Maryland Charity Campaign says it's not the feel-good factor that motivates her. "I do it because it's the right thing to do. If the funds I donate to the FSAP can, in some small way, make it easier for one of my colleagues; it's a small price to pay," explains Prevots.
"On the way up the ladder of success, you need to reach behind you and make sure the person behind you is moving up, too."
Contributions received through the faculty/staff annual giving campaign are also counted as support for Great Expectations, The Campaign for Marylandthe largest fundraising drive of a public institution in the state and the Washington, D.C. region. The goal: Raise $1 billion in seven years.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.mdexcellence.umd.edu, or call 301.405.7749.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
