4 and Forever

Although students may only attend Kalamazoo College for four years, their relationships with the College last forever.

From where do graduates gain perspective? In what ways can they learn to understand the "increasingly complex world," and how exactly does their leadership become "enlightened?" In the spring of 2003, Kalamazoo College kicked off 4 and Forever, an effort to raise students' awareness of philanthropy. From the first day students converge on campus, they are exposed to dialogue centered on giving back.

The goal of 4 and Forever is to instill a sense of connection between current students and the greater "K" community, specifically alumni, by presenting a program to each class that is designed to help students understand that the alumni who preceded them shape and support their education by giving back to their community and to Kalamazoo College. The program encourages students to consider the role of philanthropy in supporting Kalamazoo College’s greatest needs, and impress an understanding of the interconnectedness and interdependence that exists between current students and alumni.

Dynamic alumni speakers in four campus events each year convey convey the following messages to each class:

	"I am Here" —First Year Students Alumni speakers share the power of being a member of the Kalamazoo College community for not only four years, but forever.	gallery
	"I am Connected" —Sophomores Alumni speakers present their unique journeys – how they got to where they are today, and where they might go next.	gallery
	"I am the Future" —Juniors This event has an international focus. Alumni share their study abroad stories with the students and detail how their international experiences has made an impact on their career and life choices.
	"I am Ready" —Seniors Speakers share thoughts and reflections on graduation and valuable lessons learned at “K.” During the event the senior class agents ask their peers to make a pledge to the Kalamazoo College Fund to show support for future students and maximize the impact of their giving through a challenge match provided by a generous Alumnus.

The 4 and Forever program is designed broaden students’ knowledge of philanthropy and seeks to broaden understandings of:

• The profound impact a gift to Kalamazoo College can have on the lives of current students.
• Relating the knowledge gained and the experiences had to the positive impact that one individual can have on the world.

These understandings will strengthen the interconnectedness of the world; web weaving them all together; it will show current students examples of alumni who have not only achieved great things, but have also asked difficult questions, changed career paths, returned to work they began at an unpaid internship, or who have had significantly different life experiences than they would have had they not chosen Kalamazoo College many years ago.

Although students may only attend Kalamazoo College for four years, their relationship with the College lasts forever.

To get more information about 4 and Forever, or to become involved as a speaker or an alumni sponsor, contact Sheena Hietala in the Kalamazoo College Fund at 269-337-7293 or shietala@kzoo.edu