Five team members from the 2018 giving campaign stepped up to break ground for the Brookhaven College Donor Garden May 2. The diggers, wearing hard hats and holding bow-clad shovels, included Dawn Bishop, Carole Sakach, Ron Schmidt, Stephanie Venza, and Thom D. Chesney, Brookhaven College president.
Dr. Chesney said the garden presents an opportunity to turn an undeveloped area on campus into something lasting and good. He envisions a welcoming space to host student and employee events against a backdrop of trees and fountains.
"Take that vision. Make sure that's the kind of legacy we carry forward the same way the dollars carry forward our students' success," he said.
Over the coming months, as plans are finalized, development of the garden will begin including a donor pathway constructed from the almost 150 bricks sold during the employee giving campaign to mark Brookhaven College's 40th anniversary.
"If I am not mistaken, not only did Brookhaven lead during the employee giving campaign for overall participation and dollars but also the increase in new donors and new gifts," Chesney said. "This is a tribute to that and to you and your giving spirit, your kind hearts and your caring."
Sylvia Wise, coordinator of alumni and donor relations, organized the event and Marilyn Kolesar-Lynch, associate vice president of development, was also on hand for the festivities.