Why I am Donating to @CokeScholars

In 1989, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation selected me as a scholarship recipient, one of the inaugural class of scholars chosen for not only academic achievement, but also for a commitment to lead and serve in their school, community, and the world. As you would expect, I was thankful for the funding that allowed me to attend The College of William and Mary.  It made an immediate impact, and allowed me to continue on a path of learning.

What was not as evident at the time was that by becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar, I was also joining a network of amazingly high-performing people who are leading change in communities across the United States and in countries across the world. I would also benefit from exceptional experiences afforded by the Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and connections with other scholars.  In the past 27 years, through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation network I have met, experienced and learned so much:

I learned a bit of my family heritage from the Irish Ambassador to the US while volunteering at a registration table for a DC event;

I had an exceptional experience at a Leadership Summit bringing together scholars from across the many years of the program;

I heard from award winners from the International Center for Journalists, courageous leaders who are defending the freedom of the press;

I have connected to the stories of true difference makers including:

I had the honor of serving on an interview committee to help select a recent class of scholars - the accomplishments of the applicants reflected both exceptional achievement and limitless potential; and 

More recently, I have been honored to grow through service on the Coca-Cola Scholars Alumni Advisory Board.

So, this Giving Tuesday I am giving to continue invest in the Coca-Cola Scholars network ... connections that cross campus lines, political parties, state and national boundaries, disciplines and generations. 

As 1995 Coca-Cola Scholar Nakeesha Seneb observed,
"If you have more than 5,000 people
driven to make an impact on the world,
and they have this incredible connection,
a lot of change can certainly happen.”   

Coca-Cola Scholars, I challenge you to join me in investing in our capacity as a network, to support what we can do collectively. Together, we can all be better agents of change:
 
 
 


2 comments:

  1. LOVE this Greg! What an inspiring blog. Thank you for always giving your time, talent and treasure back to the CCSF family. We are grateful for you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Carolyn - so thankful to be a part of this talented network. Truly inspiring.

    ReplyDelete