Greek playwright Aeschylus coined the term “philanthropy,” meaning “love of humanity,” in the 5th century BCE. Today, philanthropy means generosity in all its forms and is often defined as giving gifts of time, talent and treasure to help make life better for other people. Together, we amplify our impact on causes that are meaningful and fuel our passion.

Charitable nonprofits provide a way for people to work together for the common good. According to the Council of Nonprofits, the U.S. has more than one million charitable nonprofits that educate, feed, heal, shelter, inspire, enlighten and nurture people of every age, gender, race and socioeconomic status. From coast to coast and beyond, nonprofits transform shared hopes and beliefs into action.

As one of the many nonprofits that rely on the time, talent and treasure of its volunteers and donors, faculty and staff, SYA established The Stephen M. Foster ES'65 Exemplary Service Award in 2018 to recognize and celebrate those members of our community who demonstrate extraordinary service to School Year Abroad.

Whether through career or volunteering, many have a personal interest in and commitment to their organization’s cause. Mimi Crume Sterling FR’94, CEO of The Family Place, a nonprofit in Dallas, said, “There is nothing better than being able to align your skills with a cause you are passionate about. I highly encourage anyone feeling a tug in that direction to explore it further, whether professionally or voluntarily. If you’re going the professional route, a mentor can make a tremendous difference in guiding you.”

Meet some SYA alumni and staff who, like Mimi, have found a sense of personal fulfillment through making a positive difference, both locally and globally.

Tom Hassan
SYA President

What reasons do alumni and parents give for their support of SYA?

What is striking to me is how often our alumni say that SYA was the most transformative year in their education (and sometimes in their lives) and that they learned more in their one year abroad than in all the others combined, including college and graduate school. Many try to replicate the SYA experience by studying abroad in college or taking a job in another country. Hard as they try, the essential ingredients can rarely all be assembled to recreate the SYA magic. It means a lot to hear people talk about the value of that one year, and to have them financially support SYA to share their experience with today’s students.

It may surprise people to know that SYA’s top donors are alum parents Carlos and Malú Alvarez FR’00P, whose daughter Carla spent the 1999-2000 year in Rennes. Like many parents, Carlos was hesitant for Carla to go abroad and was not initially supportive of the idea, even though he had a similar experience as a young person. Thankfully, Carla convinced him and ended up having an incredible year. Carlos later joined the board of SYA, and we served together when I was representing PEA. The commitment of parents to SYA’s mission is powerful, especially those who give long beyond their child’s year. I think many of them are surprised at just how much their child changes for the better!

Mimi Crume Sterling FR'94
CEO, The Family Place

What have you learned or gained, personally and/or professionally, through your work and/or volunteer experience?  

I am learning every single day. I think one of the most important and constant lessons is the necessity of surrounding yourself with good people, which includes a solid support system at home, a community that encourages and motivates you, and employees that share a passion for the mission of your organization. I can be successful at work because I have great support at home filled with lots of love from my husband, our three children, and my mom (who lives with us). At work, our 200 dedicated staff members are the heart and soul of The Family Place. Their dedication to our mission of helping survivors of domestic violence progress from fear to safety inspires me daily. And the educators and administrators at Solar Prep who passionately pour into every scholar serve as a constant inspiration.

Nick Richard ES'11
Philanthropy Fellow, Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Did your experience at SYA play a role in your endeavors? If so, how?  

As with every job I’ve had, the fact that I have full working proficiency in Spanish probably helped me get the job and at times helped me do the job. I think a lot of flexibility and adaptability came from the first month in Spain when I didn’t understand a word of Spanish and learned to laugh at myself and find other ways to communicate and find creative ways to achieve what I needed to (communication or otherwise). This resiliency and cross-cultural competence have helped me in my professional life to seek solutions and not be discouraged if my first attempt doesn’t work, and I actually do think a lot of those skills and perspectives developed during my time at SYA.  

Allison Temple Bacon ES'81
Co-Founder, Impact Grants Chicago

What have you learned or gained, personally and/or professionally, through your work and/or volunteer experience?

Without question, the person who benefits the most through volunteer work, is the person herself. I have met wonderful people - nonprofit staff, nonprofit clients, donors. I have now been in every Chicago neighborhood and I have deep respect for the people who live in all of them. Chicago, for me, is now both bigger and smaller. It solidified my community.

Megan Zuckerman FR'12
PR & Events Manager, Ivywise

What advice would you give to someone interested in building their career in the nonprofit sector or volunteering for an organization that resonates with their philanthropic priorities? 

There is no limit to the types of nonprofits available to volunteer with — especially if you live in a large metropolitan area. I found all my volunteer opportunities by searching online, so I encourage others to use the web to find organizations that align with their personal priorities and interests! Also reach out to your friends, families and coworkers for suggestions. Even if you start small with what might seem like a light time commitment, your efforts and hard work will still be valued by the organization, and you will learn a lot in the process as well.

Matt Hoidal ES'89
Chief Change Manager, World of Change

Did your experience at SYA play a role in your endeavors? If so, how? 

Absolutamente! Yes, 100%. I think I was wired to be independent, and to take healthy risks. I remember leaving for Spain at 16-years-old as being an easy decision. My time in Spain and experience with SYA helped build my confidence and enhanced my ability to communicate with others. There really are no limits in a post-SYA world.

Erin Stone Ericson
Director of Advancement, SYA

What is it about the mission of  SYA that resonates with you and why? 

It is important for young people to develop empathy, which has always been part of School Year Abroad’s mission. While I did not study with SYA in high school, I studied Spanish and did a short-term trip to Merida, Mexico, my senior year. Half of the trip was spent staying with a host family, which was a terrifying and enlightening experience. Living with people who speak a different language is a humbling growth opportunity. Learning about another culture reminds us that we don’t have all the answers and there isn’t always a “right” way of being in the world. That’s a huge lesson for a 16- or 17-year-old.