A Positive Habit Starts Early

Erik Kocher ’84 and Linda Sherry Kocher ’84 are living proof that giving back is a habit of successful people. They seized the opportunity to teach a quick course in Philanthropy 101 while accompanying daughter Audrey Kocher ’19 to New Student Orientation last fall. “We had just bought bed risers at a sale on campus,” Linda recounts. “All I had was a 20, and the young woman at the sale said ‘It’s only 2 dollars; don’t you have 2 dollars?’ I told her I’d used up all my ones and asked who was getting the sale proceeds. She said ‘the environmental club.’ I said, 'well, I’m an alum, keep the 20.' She was shocked!” Linda laughs. “But that’s the way it works!” The Kochers feel strongly that real-life examples help students grasp the need for philanthropy directed toward the College. “We think that culture needs to be fostered when young people first come on campus,” Linda Kocher says. “It’s difficult for that age group to look to the future and see it,” says Erik Kocher, “but going to Grinnell is more than just going to college. This is a relationship that can grow and give back for your entire life.” (Excerpt from Winter 2015 The Grinnell Magazine) It's easy to make your gift by June 30.