Donor Highlight: David Madson

MadsonWhat’s you name and what do you do?

David Madson, Director of Development for the Neurosciences and Transplantation Programs at Sutter Health California Pacific Medical Center Foundation.

When did you first hear about First Graduate® and what inspired you to support our mission to help students become the first in their families to graduate from college?

I first heard about First Graduate® two years ago.

As First Graduate® myself, I remember being drawn to the program because it offered help to people who were just like me. I immediately resonated with the mission and wanted to include it among my charitable priorities.

I decided to become a monthly supporter because it’s easy – my donation is directly charged every month. I don’t have to think about it. I could forget about it, but not forget to make the gift because it’s automatic.

Plus, I know that it’s easy for the organization to have these regular gifts coming in every month.

What is the impact you hope for your support will have on students in San Francisco?

I hope my gift, combined with the gifts of others, will allow First Graduate® to continue to build and provide this vital program for the community of students who are first graduates in their families.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about donating to First Graduate® for the first time?

I would say that this is a wonderful philanthropic investment in the future of our community. I’m proud to be able to provide these opportunities for people to go to college and eventually give back to our community back themselves later in their lives.

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Alumni Spotlight: Leandro Guerrero

Born in Peru, Leandro moved to San Francisco as a child and attended Horace Mann Middle School and Lowell High School.
Leandro credits First Graduate® with teaching him valuable life skills, such as time management. He has fond memories of spending hours in the First Graduate® office, working with peers and staff to complete college applications ahead of school deadlines.

Another trauma inflicted on young people

Children and their families need to believe that school is a safe haven. We deplore the violence that has become all too commonplace in schools, and our hearts ache for the young people and adults targeted at Rudsdale Newcomer High School in Oakland. Violence anywhere is abhorrent. The prevalence of guns as a means to