Fourth-generation Palmer student John Damrow shares what he’s learned about giving back.
Giving back to our community was a practice that was ingrained in our household from an early age. My parents humbly served in different volunteer roles and set the example for me and my siblings that community is greater than self.
I have benefitted from those before me who have given to help their communities, and the person I am today is largely due to this. I hope to pass on these gifts to the next generation to continue to develop our young people.
I joined the Alumni and Advancement Office as a new student worker in March 2021. At the time, I had only a minor understanding of what the role of fundraising is and really wasn’t sure what my job as a student worker would entail. It turns out what I thought the office did is only about five percent of what they actually do.
What I learned in the past two years is that gifts the College receives from alumni and friends support the great things we see and experience every day as students. The facilities we live and learn in, the technology we use and the programs we participate in are all driven by giving. Speaking with donors, both as a student worker and the philanthropy chair for PSAF, has given me the opportunity to hear our donors’ stories and learn what motivates them and why it’s important to them to continue to support Palmer.
No matter who I speak with, one thing is always common: Those who give do so because they believe in the mission of the College and want to help develop Palmer students.
There are great examples of generosity all around us, including my own family. When I came to Palmer, I didn’t know that my father, Jim Damrow, D.C. (Main, `92), and my grandfather, John Damrow, D.C. (Main, `50), were longtime donors to the College until I started working in the Alumni and Advancement Office. Knowing that I am carrying on a family legacy inspires me to give back to Palmer — but more importantly, I want future students to receive the benefits I was lucky enough to receive. After working closely with the Alumni and Advancement Office and seeing firsthand the role they play in continuing the standard of excellence here at Palmer, it is clear to me how important it is to support the College.
Giving back to the places that contribute to your success is crucial, and developing great people and future chiropractors won’t happen without it. I’m giving back, and I invite you to join me.
MORE: Read more from the Spring 2023 issue of Palmer Proud Magazine.
