I have been working in the banking industry since 1980, slowly working my way up the corporate ladder. Unfortunately, there was a point in my career when I could not progress any further without academic credentials. the years. So I made a firm commitment to finish my degree as quickly as possible — not an easy decision to make, given that my work schedule was so hectic. Fortunately, a friend told me about Charter Oak State College. Were it not for Charter Oak, I have no doubt that countless students would be left without the means or ability to continue their education.
As I reflect on my career, I realize that my success is founded on not only hard work, but also the confidence and knowledge given to me at Charter Oak. I consider myself very fortunate to have been given the chance to go to college, but for too many families, this chance is out of reach. So upon graduation, I pledged to support Charter Oak in its quest to help non-traditional students achieve their lifelong goal of a college education.
I encourage you to support Charter Oak in its efforts to ensure that every person who is willing to work hard has the opportunity to get an education and realize the American Dream. Whether your gift is $10 or $10,000, your contribution is important to the college and the hundreds of future students who will benefit.
Allison J. Santoro, C.F.A., Vice President – Strategic and Financial Planning | Program Management Office.
I’ve been thinking for many years that I should start supporting Charter Oak, but never got around to it. Now that I work at a nonprofit and understand the needs of the development department, I feel a much stronger responsibility to help the institutions that have helped me.
I am currently working at The Center for Victims of Torture (www.cvt.org) an international non-profit with headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. I am in charge of the databases and software. We have three people in our department that support a staff of 80, plus volunteers and interns.
Denise Dreher, B.S., 1997