When Rose Vogt (BES ’84) thinks back on her time as a student in the Faculty of Environment, she has many of fond memories. But she also remembers struggling to make ends meet, especially in third year after a parachuting accident left her unable to walk, work or pay tuition.
While she eventually finished her degree and accepted her first full-time job in 1984 at the University, she never forgot the struggles she faced as a student.
From those early days as a Waterloo staff member, Vogt started giving a small portion of her pay cheque every month back to the University. She continued to donate throughout a 34-year career that was entirely dedicated to students, from working at Fed Hall to “saving the Grad House” to supporting student leaders as general manager of the Graduate Student Association (GSA).
While she says the idea of giving can be difficult if you’re struggling, even the smallest donation goes a long way. “I gave a little bit monthly for a long time — almost 30 years. I couldn’t afford much, but it was the spirit of giving,” Vogt said.
Since her retirement in 2019, she’s been actively involved on campus as co-chair of the Faculty, Staff and Retiree Giving Program. “As a retiree, I recognize that students are our future. They’re the ones — no matter what they’re studying — that are going to fill the roles that keep our society running.”
As a retiree, I recognize that students are our future. They’re the ones that are going to fill the roles that keep our society running.
