Mike Dodge, AB’93

Why I give to the University of Chicago

I give because without the generous financial assistance that I received as a student, I never could have afforded a school like the University of Chicago. I had no savings and no parental support to fund my college aspirations, but Chicago accepted me and gave me a financial aid package that made it possible for me to attend the College. The University of Chicago opened up a world of opportunity and set me on a professional path that would probably have remained forever closed to a kid like me. I know that there are students with similar circumstances today, and I want to help ensure that Chicago is able to give them the same tremendous opportunity that it gave to me.

How I support the University

Most undergraduate financial aid grants are funded from the College Fund, so I make an annual leadership gift to the Fund. In addition to writing checks, I have served on my reunion committees and served as the Gift Committee Co-Chair for the Class of 1993’s 10th Reunion, which raised over $112,000. I also worked with the University to kick-off its Regional Leadership initiative in San Francisco that reaches out to local alumni and reconnects them with the University. It has been gratifying to watch local alumni get involved again to support the school. Since moving to Los Angeles last year, I have enjoyed supporting a similar local effort.

Why I think the University of Chicago is unique

Each time I visit the campus, I see impressive modern upgrades, including nicer dorms, a state-of-the-art athletic facility, a hip bookstore, etc. But when I talk to the students, I realize that one thing has not changed. Chicago is still a place where it’s okay to be a geek. The amazing environment that supports intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge is the enduring quality that makes Chicago unique.

Why other alumni should get involved

During our graduation keynote, the Dean of the Medical school spoke briefly about his own college experience at Stanford University. As I remember it, he explained that when he was a student, Stanford wasn’t the academic powerhouse that it is today. Yet because of the tremendous support of its alumni and its good fortune of being located in what was to become Silicon Valley, Stanford could afford the necessary investment to become a world-renowned research institution. Because of this, the Dean watched the “value” of his degree increase year over year. While the University of Chicago may not be located in the next booming high-tech corridor, it does have an incredible alumni base. As alumni, it is in our best interest to invest in the future strength of the University of Chicago for the next generation of students and ultimately for the value of our own degrees.