Our Crowdfunding Groups
In August 2022, the EdD-LOC program graduated its fourth cohort of students marking one year from the graduation of its inaugural cohort. Considering how to celebrate this momentous occasion, program leaders reflected on ways to involve alumni in the support and success of current students. From this reflection grew the Baylor Alumni EdD in Learning and Organizational Change Fund. The vision for this particular fund holds in sight a form of monetary support that would allow alumni not only to invest in the legacy of their program but also to connect them with current students in times of need. The donations made to the fund go into a reserve until opportunities to help students facing unexpected challenges to their success and continuation in the program present. The fund provides these students with one-time monetary gifts that can be used to cover program-related expenses such as books, technology, or tuition. Our hope is then, that recipients of gifts upon becoming alumni, would then feel empowered and encouraged to “pay it forward” by reaching out to the next generation of students in the same way. This scholarship allows alumni to continue their work in the Baylor community of faith by extending an offering of generosity and love to their fellow EdD-LOC peers at times when they need it most.
In fall 2021, current student, Tyler Hodges lost her belongings and was temporarily relocated from her home when Hurricane Ida ravaged New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana communities. To ease the burden of impossible hardships, Tyler received a program donation to cover the cost of purchasing new textbooks. Speaking about the impact of this gift Tyler said, "Having to pivot both professionally and personally was no easy feat. Thanks to the EdD-LOC program, I was provided free textbooks and a scholarship to alleviate the financial burden of the semester. Words can't begin to express how much of a blessing this was." Situations like the one Tyler and her family faced are exactly what we hope to help through the Baylor Alumni EdD in Learning and Organizational Change Fund.
In an effort to kickstart alumni donations, we are hoping to organize a series of in-person and virtual events in the coming year. These include geographic-based casual get-togethers for alumni and students living in different regions where EdD-LOC folks can come together to network, fellowship, and support one another; a possible golf and/or tennis tournament; and cross-cohort fundraising competitions. We also hope to create an annual event during the Baylor Homecoming festivities. Our alumni serve as international ambassadors of the program, representing the legacy of their accomplishments and the success of current students. The gifts may be small, but the difference they make to student recipients is great.
Consider making a gift today to show your support for this scholarship and the EdD LOC Program.
