I remember the day I walked into a trusted colleague's office, "do I need to pursue my Master's?" I asked. After a conversation, she encouraged me to explore IUPUI's offerings and one other school. She also asked me to consult with the VP. The VP told me I had a great experience and didn't need a master's but certainly, continuing education my education could be a positive. She encouraged me to talk to our trusted consultant. The consultant said, "consider an MBA or degree to improve your knowledge of the financial vehicles donors use to execute their philanthropy". What I took away from those conversations was it was my decision and I needed to determine my own path. That path led to the IUPUI Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
I joke with people that I was over fifty when I figured out how to answer the question, what is your major? My major is philanthropy. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to study, explore, experience, and immerse myself in this "world-changing" sector! If you love learning, if you love philanthropy I encourage you to visit the website: https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/ If you want to just understand how the world works from a special perspective, through the nonprofit lens then I encourage you to try a class through LFSOF or the Fund Raising School: https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/professional-development/courses-seminars/the-fund-raising-school/index.html
An important lesson for me has been the sector blur, how the Nonprofit, Private, and Public/Government Sectors all work together, impact one another and make our world what it is. Each class I've taken: History of Philanthropy, Ethics of Philanthropy (Philosophy Class), Philanthropy and Economics in addition to the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Class, Principal and Practices of Fundraising and the Global Exchange exploring and comparing philanthropy and nonprofit work in Germany and the US showcase this in awesome ways. Yes, awesome is the word, I'm often awe-struck and energized by my studies! What I love the most is how it aligns so beautifully with the liberal arts, how each class builds and connects across disciplines creating this beautiful landscape.
To be honest it isn't easy. What I'm also learning is how to be an online student and just a student. I'm making time I don't really have to read, take quizzes, watch video presentations, dial into office hours, participate in group meetings via Zoom. I'm asking for help from Joe, DU's President, CFO, VP, faculty, and writing coaches. I'm biting my nails again as I read and prep for quizzes and work on research papers.
To be honest it is all worth it because I'm learning, discovering, and getting pulled into the library, one of my favorite places. I'm meeting and engaging with really fascinating and impressive people: fellow students, faculty, and presenters, not to mention those profiled in articles and books and the authors themselves. I'm exploring not only the world of philanthropy and these disciplines but the real world. Students and faculty are from all over and I value that so very much. The German Global Exchange was a highlight of my studies.
I'm doing this one class at a time. I'm proud of my Graduate Certificate and working on the M.A. Each class is different, most have been asynchronous, thanks to COVID some synchronized (I carved out Friday mornings 9-11 each week for 12 weeks). IF I can do it anyone can do it. There is more I could say and some I have if you look back at previous blog posts, probably about the challenges of navigating Canvas and technology. I'm here to answer questions and share insights if you'd like to explore any of these programs or classes!
I'll end this post with a quote: An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin I'm grateful to all that are helping me with this investment in myself in my life on Newark-Granville Road!
