A Jump-Start in Generosity: Young Alums Give Back to SDSU
Sydney Adrian and her husband, Nathan, are living proof that while it’s never too late to give back with philanthropy, it’s also never too early.
Sydney Adrian and her husband, Nathan, are living proof that while it’s never too late to give back with philanthropy, it’s also never too early.
In their mid 20's, the Adrians are some of the youngest donors on record to establish a scholarship with the SDSU Foundation.
While charitable giving wasn’t a new concept to Sydney, it was one of her top priorities after she and Nathan were married and began working on their financial plans.
“It was really important that a part of our income was donated,” said Sydney. “We have this belief that God blesses you with money, and part of that blessing is to give it to other people. For me, it was easy to decide where I wanted to give.”
Both graduates of SDSU, Sydney majored in human development and family studies while Nathan pursued agribusiness. Sydney received financial support through scholarships; Nathan did not.
As a result, Sydney recognized the impact those scholarships made not only on her education, but in her experience at State overall.
Sydney Adrian“When I was at SDSU, there were so many times where I was blessed with money, and it was very needed and super helpful. I don’t think I could have made it through all five-and-a-half years of school without the scholarships that were given to me.”
Her own scholarship support wasn’t the only factor that would later influence Sydney’s desire to give back. Working for a year for the SDSU Foundation as a graduate assistant, her eyes were opened by countless stories that showed how scholarships can transform the lives of Jackrabbits.
Though her days as a student are behind her, Sydney enjoys visiting for the annual scholarship banquet, always eager to meet the students impacted by the Sydney and Nathan Adrian Scholarship.
Sydney’s goal of helping young adults carried over not just into her financial giving, but into her professional career. Now a school counselor, she strives to support people who are just getting started in life, at both the high school and collegiate levels.
She and Nathan realized that while it was outside of the norm for donors fresh out of college to set up a scholarship of their own, they had no reason to wait.
“For me, it’s heartwarming to know that I’m able to do this and I’m excited to be able to do it before I thought it was ‘expected’ or ‘appropriate,’” Sydney said. “If this is something that you think you want to do someday, see if it’s something you can do now. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and see how it could work for you.”
You can make an impact through scholarships, too!
