A university campus is a place where young people often discover their true purpose in life; a class, listening to an inspiring speaker or volunteering with a student organization can help them find their calling. Plymouth State University hosted an October 13 round table discussion on philanthropy that captivated the overflow audience, including many students and community members.

Carrie Morgridge, author of “Every Gift Matters: How Your Passion Can Change The World,” and wife of Plymouth State alumnus John Morgridge ’85, were joined by alumni guests Rick Brenner ’94, president of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats; Linda Gray ’78, NH Charitable Foundation senior advisor; and Nick Vailas ’75, a NH-based philanthropist and healthcare entrepreneur, to discuss the many facets of charitable giving and the importance of giving even small amounts to those in need. The discussion was moderated by Robyn Parker, dean of PSU’s College of Business Administration.

“Great philanthropy means getting involved, being kind and loving your neighbor. It’s the little things in life we all can do to make a difference and improve lives,” Carrie Morgridge noted. “Students here today had their eyes opened to the message that great philanthropy doesn’t have to mean writing a huge check.”

“I feel inspired after listening to the discussion,” said Sophia Paglierani ’17, a health promotion major from Portsmouth, R.I. “Carrie’s speech made me think about working with people and charities on a smaller level–I know I can make a difference.”

One of the Morgridge’s most successful charitable endeavors at PSU was creating the Student Support Foundation (SSF), which provides students with short-term emergency assistance while fostering a culture of philanthropy. The organization has helped hundreds of students since its founding in 2005. SSF President Anna Brown ’16, a tourism management major from Freeport, Maine, said she is motivated by the Morgridge’s message and accomplishments.

“After I graduate I will donate money for a scholarship here at PSU and at my old high school. Everything Carrie talked about, I hope I can accomplish, at least in a small way,” said Brown.

“It’s really cool they can impart their wisdom and successes on people who are trying to follow a similar path,” said Matt LeBlanc ’16, a social science major from Peabody, Mass., and SSF member.

John Morgridge was heartened by the reaction.

“It was a wonderful event and it was nice to see so many students in attendance,” he said. “I hope they can take some of these ideas and relate them to their own work and lives,” he said.

John Morgridge is president of the Morgridge Family Foundation (MFF); Carrie serves as its vice president. MFF invests in transformative gifts in education, conservation, health, wellness and the arts. The seven-year-old Denver-based private foundation has a special interest in supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs.

Following the roundtable discussion, Carrie Morgridge distributed signed copies of her new book “Every Gift Matters: How Your Passion Can Change the World,” which offers tips on how to make informed philanthropic decisions and explains the importance of aligning with other non-profits through trust, understanding and shared goals. Profits from book sales go directly toward the MFF’s Every Gift Matters Fund, which is dedicated to helping people find their passion and change the world.

Tags:  Carrie and John Morgridge New Hampshire Fisher Cats NH Charitable Foundation philanthropy