Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2024

18 19 SPRING 2024 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2024 EDITION CANOPY The Mighty DIERBERGS AND LINDENWOOD PARTNER TO GIVE BACK TO STUDENTS Dierbergs and Lindenwood University have established a longstanding partnership that offers two distinct scholarship opportunities for Lindenwood students, along with the GOLD program tuition discount initiative that is designed to support current Dierbergs employees who wish to pursue higher education. Dierbergs, a longstanding grocery provider in the greater St. Louis area, was established in the 1850s. “Now more than 4,000 Associates share in Dierbergs’ history and uphold its reputation built on hard work, personal service, and a commitment to meeting the growing needs of our area through community service.” In honor of Dierbergs’ commitment to service, the company partnered with Lindenwood to provide educational opportunities for students and associates. Among those opportunities offered is the Dierbergs Leadership Scholarship. Specifically designed for Dierbergs employees enrolled at Lindenwood, applications are accepted annually, and the recipient is chosen based on their demonstrated leadership skills at work and their commitment to personal growth as a leader during their time at Lindenwood. The Dierbergs IMPACT Scholarship is also offered. Established in 2022, this scholarship is an annual opportunity for Lindenwood students. “As we evaluated our initiatives, we aimed to enhance our partnership with Lindenwood and uphold our commitment to supporting the local student community,” Dierbergs Director of Talent Management and Lindenwood Alumna Erica Campbell said. “In recent years, our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion has deepened, prompting us to integrate these values into our support for the diverse population at Lindenwood. Thus, the Annual Dierbergs IMPACT Scholarship was created.” Today, the scholarship assists five students annually with tuition expenses. It includes renewal criteria to help foster a connection between recipients and the Dierbergs team, while also providing insight into potential career paths within the company. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Lindenwood team to implement the Dierbergs IMPACT Scholarship,” Dierbergs Sr. Talent Manager Heather Siegler said. “They have been extremely helpful, and you can see that they truly care about the success of their students. I look forward to our continued partnership and engaging with our scholarship recipients.” Dierbergs is preparing for its inaugural Shadow Day for recipients entering their junior year. The day will feature various activities and engagement with the Dierbergs brand. Additionally, as recipients approach their senior year, they will have the chance to participate in a Retail Management Internship. Dierbergs is in the initial stages of this program and eagerly anticipates its growth in the coming years. In a true reflection of the origins of Dierbergs, this partnership continues to meet the needs of others. Together, Dierbergs and Lindenwood University are impacting the community and prioritizing the success of current and future students. THE GIVING COMMUNITY THE GIVING COMMUNITY As we evaluated our initiatives, we aimed to enhance our partnership with Lindenwood and uphold our commitment to supporting the local student community ERICA CAMPBELL (Dierbergs Director of Talent Management and Lindenwood Alumna) 2021 2023 2022 2024 Giving Week 2021 $33,372 raised from 179 donors Giving Week 2022 $125,825 raised from 451 donors Giving Week 2023 $182,670 from 741 donors Giving Week 2024 $265,900 from 813 donors 2024 GIVING WEEK PUTS STUDENTS FIRST Lions from all over the world came together during Lindenwood University’s fourth annual Giving Week to donate more than $250,000 in support of areas all over campus, surpassing the $175,000 goal and setting a new Giving Week record in impressive fashion. During the weeklong celebration of philanthropy, the University raised $265,900 from 813 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends across 36 states. This total is a near 50% increase from 2023 and is the first time Lindenwood had over 800 donors during Giving Week. “I continue to be impressed by the rapid growth we have seen in both the number of donors and the amount given during these past four years,” Lindenwood President Dr. John R. Porter said. “To think how far we’ve come since our first Giving Week in 2021 is a remarkable testament to our alumni and friends’ belief in supporting the student experience at Lindenwood.” Giving Week brings together the entire Lindenwood community to support the people, places, and programs on Lindenwood’s campus. Donors during this year’s Giving Week supported 35 areas on campus, including academic programs, student scholarships, the Lindenwood Fund, and much more. “Giving Week 2024 was an incredible week for Lindenwood students,” said Brittany Howard, who leads Lindenwood’s annual giving program. “Lions joined together to promote and celebrate the great work that happens every day on our campus. Lindenwood is truly a special place, and the record-breaking support we received from our alumni and friends is a testament to that.” GIVING WEEK HISTORY