Young Earlham alumni go above and beyond

Young college graduates are faced with a number of important decisions. Should I continue my education? What career should I pursue? Where should I live? What can I afford to buy?

For Kris Parker '99 and Craig Shillinglaw '98, this list of prioritizing questions also included the query: What causes should we support?

Upon their graduation and subsequent marriage, they made what many might consider an atypical decision: they would try, every year, to give a percentage of their income to non-profit organizations, including Earlham College.

"My first job at a homeless shelter paid only $18,000 and Craig was going to graduate school, but we knew philanthropy was still a priority," described Kris. "People don't have to be wealthy to contribute."

For the last three years, Kris and Craig have been members of the Young Leaders Circle – a giving program that provides alumni who have not yet celebrated their 10-year reunion with the same recognition and benefits that are extended to members of Earlham's President's Circle.

Kris and Craig spent two years in Oregon as Craig pursued his graduate degree at the University of Oregon, before moving so Kris could attend the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vt. They spent several months in the Dominican Republic, volunteering with The Nature Conservatory.

Now, they find themselves settled in Valparaiso, Ind., and continuing their generosity to Earlham at a President's Circle level, even during these challenging economic times.

"I have seen first-hand what a challenge it can be for some international students to be able to afford a college like Earlham," Kris explained. "We live in a country and a situation of privilege, and part of what we got from Earlham was that understanding.

"We appreciate Earlham because we met each other there, but it also changed our lives and changed how we view the world and our place in it. We should make the most of our privilege by helping those who need it."

Kris and Craig often support financial aid through their Earlham Fund gifts, and since the Earlham Fund meets the Colleges most pressing needs, every student benefits. Kris was herself the recipient of such support when she came to the College, drawn by its values and sense of purpose.

"I received generous financial aid when I came to Earlham," Kris said. "It inspired me to give back to Earlham right away after I graduated.

"In my mind, I have a long way to go to repay that gesture — but I will!"