Amazing Alumni

Every year in August we honor alumni at our Closing Ceremony with two annual awards: the Chrissi Rawak Award of Distinction in Development and the Block M of Honor for Community Impact.  The first award is named after Chrissi Rawak, one of the visionaries behind the creation of D-SIP, and recognizes an alum of D-SIP that excels in the nonprofit sector.  The Block M of Honor for Community Impact is awarded to an alum who does not work in the development field, but who has applied their D-SIP fundraising skills and knowledge to better their community.

D-SIP alumni Kellen Sarb and Sophia Luong

This past year, four alumni were awarded.  Kellen Sarb, D-SIP ’07, and Sophia Luong, D-SIP ’07, were awarded the Chrissi Rawak Award for Distinction in Development.  Kellen was a fundraiser at the University of Boston for five years and recently just accepted a position at MIT’s Sloan Business School in fundraising. Sophia has committed herself to working in development at the University of Michigan, first working for the Ross School of Business and now currently fundraising on behalf of the Law School.  Both were recognized their commitment and excellence in the field which has led to multiple promotions for both.

Alana Font with her award in New York

The Block M of Honor for Community Impact was awarded to Alana Font, D-SIP ’11, and Rita Razalan, D-SIP ’11.  As a senior, Alana transferred her D-SIP skills by taking a lead in fundraising for the Ross School of Business Class Gift Committee.  Rita, as a senior, applied her skills and took a lead in fundraising at St. Mary’s Student Parish.  It is always rewarding to see D-SIP alumni impact the community, but as student philanthropy is a value held by U-M development, it is especially exciting that Rita and Alana fearlessly took on fundraising with their peers and the greater student body.

D-SIP granted these awards in pairs this year due to the unique friendships held by the winners.  Their friendships grew in D-SIP and remain strong today.  Through keeping in touch and sharing best practices, both pairs were able to maximize their efforts and push forward excellent fundraising practices that created tremendous impact for the receiving nonprofits.  Congratulations Kellen, Sophia, Alana, and Rita!

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Thinking about applying to D-SIP?!

Make sure to check out our “Applying to D-SIP” posts for some helpful hints!

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The D-SIP Family

Our D-SIP interns have a great national reach.  Internationally, we have an alum in St. Petersburg, Russia, another in Olancho, Honduras.

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Alumni Giving Impact

For the past two years, the new class of interns have been given $20 and a challenge to do the most good.  This challenge is funded by the 2009 D-SIP interns.  The class of 2009 wanted to ensure interns would get to know each other early in the summer.  The way to ensure this–they made a class gift, specifically to fund team-building.  For the 2010 D-SIP interns the team-building money was used to create a ropes course.  But since then, the gift has been used to send the interns into the community in small groups to do the most good with $20.  Please watch the videos below to see the impact $20 dollars can have from D-SIP 2011 and D-SIP 2012.

But first, know that 2009 was not the only class to give to D-SIP!  The tradition of giving started the very first year, when the interns of 2007 decided to make a class gift to the general D-SIP fund.  2008 followed their lead and gave money to provide coffee for interns on Fridays during class (Interns usually go through 3-5 pots of coffee each Friday!). 2010 also gave to the general D-SIP fund. And, 2011 is still giving in order to sponsor a Friday lunch, where the 2012 interns can continue to bond.

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Meet D-SIP 2012!

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The Inside Scoop: Applying to D-SIP

Being recent alums of D-SIP, we wanted to share some information about this incredible paid internship program and some advice to help you throughout the application process.  First, you should know that D-SIP has a 3 part application process!  We tell you this not to scare you, but to highlight that it is competitive.  You need to be prepared to present your best self in all three parts of the process.  So what are these three parts?!

Stage 1: Online Application http://www.giving.umich.edu/internship/index.php?page=apply

• Applicant Information (name, major, etc.)
• Two Personal Statements
• What does philanthropy mean to you and how does this understanding impact your pursuit of this internship opportunity?
• How has a past work/volunteer experience shaped you as a student and/or professional?
• Three References (*only need reference, NOT a reference letter)
• Cover Letter
• Resume

*Alumni Hints to Succeed at this Stage*

1. Be creative in discussing your meaning of philanthropy.  The recruiters know what dictionary.com says about philanthropy.  The question states, what does it mean to YOU!
2. Do not make careless errors in your essays, cover letter and resume.  Use Sweetland Writing Center , the Career Center, or a trusted friend to review your statements. 
3. Dress professionally because this is your first in-person presentation to D-SIP.
4. Let your voice shine through in your application materials so that the reviewers get a good idea of what type of applicant you are. Program administers are looking for the ‘wow’ factor in this section. A good start would be asking your friends and family what they think sets you apart from other highly qualified individuals.
5. Ask your references if you can use their name before you put them down. This will allow them time to prepare what they are going to say about you instead of being caught off guard when the recruiters call, which will also result in a better reference for you!

Stage 2: Round I Interview

• Interview Component: You will participate in an individual 20-minute interview.
• Group Discussion: You will participate in a group discussion about a provided article discussing relevant philanthropic issues with five other applicants.

*Alumni Hints to Succeed at this Stage*

1. Something as simple as knowing what the term ‘development’ means in relation to this program should not be overlooked during this round. Seriously.
2. Send a follow-up email to your interviewer. This will show that you are committed to the position and appreciate them taking the time to speak with you. Plus you’ll show you know a little bit about “stewardship” (a facet of development) from the beginning!

Stage 3: Round II Interview

• Interview for a position within a specific University School or Unit, Office of Development unit, or Ann Arbor Community Non-Profit. Interviews are half an hour in length.

*Alumni Hints to Succeed at this Stage*

1. Make sure to research the unit with which you will be interviewing. For example, if you are meeting with the U-M School of Kinesiology, you might want to read up on their advancement team as current research initiatives and student perspectives.  And, you better know where the School of Kinesiology is located on campus!
2. Again, follow-up with your interviewer! The people you interview with in Round II are usually your summer employer, so let your excitement and passion shine through.  Don’t be afraid to sell yourself!

To prepare for the interview stages be sure to utilize campus resources like the career center, academic advisers and other alumni of the program you may know. Overall, aside from the lasting friendships you will forage, D-SIP will afford you endless opportunities to grow professionally because of the knowledge you will gain and the network and relationships you will build while participating in the program.

To continue learning more and to apply, please visit:
www.giving.umich.edu/internship
www.facebook.com/UMDSIP

Good Luck and Go Blue!

Mandi, Matt and Kyle (D-SIP ’11)

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what do the D-SIP interns work on?

D-SIP interns have worked on various projects in the past 5 years.  Please check out our new archive highlighting some of these projects, the impact they have had and the skills interns have walked away with!

 

http://umdsipshowcase.wordpress.com/

 

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D-SIP Alumni Awards

Leadership is one of the competencies considered during the selection process of our interns, so it is no surprise that our alumni can do great things.  But, what does surprise us is what they do.  Because of the impressive work completed by our interns, two newly created awards  have been, and will be given out annually at the D-SIP Closing Ceremony.

One of these awards is given to an individual who works in the development profession and remains steadfast in making the profession better in some capacity.  This award,  the Chrissi Rawak Award of Distinction in Development, is named after Chrissi Rawak whose vision was critical in the creation the Development Summer Internship Program.  Although the impact of her work goes beyond students, her passion for creating a pipeline for students to enter into the development profession has created a transformative experience for many U-M undergraduates.

The other award granted this year was the Block M of Honor for Community Impact.  This award is given to an individual that has made an impact in their community. 

Without further ado, let’s meet the honorees.

 Amy Pfaehler, D-SIP 2007, was granted the Chrissi Rawak Award for Distinction in Development.  Just as Chrissi helped to create a pipeline into the profession for young professionals, Amy continued such work for D-SIP alumni.  An advocate for development work, Amy gladly met with all D-SIP alum searching for jobs in the D.C. area and provided guidance.  In fact, her help led one of our alumni right into another political fundraising position in D.C. 

The Block M of Honor for Community Impact was given to Nick Glauch, D-SIP 2007.  Nick was responsible for raising 25,000 dollars for an endowment he established for his local high school.  He achieved his goal due to his ability to work with the senior class, alumni, and community members.  In today’s economy, such an endowment is quite an accomplishment and, even more, a great help to his high school.

Congratulations Amy and Nick! 

 

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Celebrating 5 years

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Destination: Detroit

Even though it is less than an hour away, it is surprising how many U-M students do not visit Detroit while studying at the University.  As a city rich in philanthropic spirit, Detroit was an excellent choice for this year’s annual D-SIP retreat.

Interns spent their first day learning about careers in philanthropy, and Detroit specific philanthropy.  Many guest speakers spoke to the missions of their organizations revealing the power of giving and private support in the revitalization efforts for Detroit.

At dinner, our interns received messaging as future young professionals from current young professionals who chose to work and live in Detroit.  In sharing their experiences, the young professionals portrayed a Detroit very different from that presented in the media.   Interns left dinner wondering how they could make a difference with their careers of choice, and perhaps even a difference in Detroit.

But, perhaps, the best way to explain the impact of this retreat and the interns’ views of the city is to ask them!

• As a born and raised Detroiter, I know the city very well. From the bus routes to the best places to grab a bite, the city is my home. While I love Detroit, I had not felt connected to the city since graduating from high school. For a while, Detroit became what I saw and read in the news- it seemed violent, sober, and failing. I was nervous for the retreat and feared that my experience would perpetuate its common image. As soon as I entered the city, I realized that I had nothing to worry about. Many people (Detroiter natives and not) were facilitating and empowering social change through programs, partnerships, and (my favorite) philanthropy. Their commitment to the city was inspiring- it made me realize that Detroit, much like the University of Michigan, is a unique fabric that creates my human experience. I learned on the retreat that Detroit and Ann Arbor are not mutually exclusive- both are working together in partnership to make each other flourish. In short, I realized that the University of Michigan and Detroit have something in common- both are filled with vitality, life, and love. As a Michigan man and Detroit native, I am proud- proud of my University, proud of my city, and proud of the people that are making a difference. –Matt Griffith, Detroit native

• Unlike many of my D-SIP colleagues, I never ventured past the city limits of Ann Arbor in my three years as a U-M student. It never seemed necessary to travel to Detroit because (1) I could find everything in Ann Arbor and (2) I had already experienced urban life being a born and raised in Chicago. Needless to say, these beliefs changed after the retreat. During the first day of our trip, I listened to stories of development professionals who devoted their energies and talents to improving the living standards of their fellow Detroit neighbors. We also learned about the rich social and cultural opportunities available to Detroit residents. On the second day of the retreat,  we volunteered with the “Summer in the City” program.  Each D-SIP intern paired up with a child and explored the city of Detroit.  We were given a personal tour of the Detroit Opera House, strolled along the Riverwalk, and traveled to other neat places (e.g., local YMCA). As a result of my two-day trip to Detroit, I have developed a deep appreciation and connection to Detroit. I now recognize the enthusiasm and energy that beats through every Detroit resident and I look forward to my next visit to the motor city.  –Jon Fink, first time visitor to the city of Detroit

• I believe there is real potential for the University community to not only serve in Detroit, but more importantly, to interact with and learn from the residents of the city. I think that the D-SIP retreat showed us that Detroit is not merely a backdrop for service learning, but also a dynamic and vibrant city that is overcoming tremendous adversity. I hope, more than anything, that our time spent in the city will inspire my fellow D-SIP alums to continually come back to Detroit, not just as a place for service, but to witness incredible an transformation. –Chelsea Landry, a leader in the Detroit Partnership at the University of Michigan

 

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