News: Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s origin story traces back to one vote by one man, Herb Derfelt. And his legacy continues through generations of family members who followed in his educator footsteps.
Pate Thomas initially had no desire to add his name to the long list of family members who became Rebels and then educators. Now? He’s a proud alum, a difference-making educator, and the boss of a brand-new high school.
The Engineering Advising Center director rediscovered his true calling — and now helps 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students do the same.
Join fellow Rebels on March 27 in a day of giving, celebration, and friendly competition — all for a great cause.
The associate vice provost of academic effectiveness plays a key role in the accreditation process.

Author, activist, and alum Dennis McBride on how classmates and allies established one of the city’s first LGBTQ organizations — the Gay Academic Union.

Through his extensive fundraising efforts, Lyle Rivera laid the foundation for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ to rise as an educational institution and cultural center.
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Special Collections workshop helps families collect oral histories, memorabilia, and records to pass down through the generations.
The College of Fine Arts advising director on the high value of arts degrees, quiet spaces, and being a late bloomer.

Piotr Tomasik, a computer science graduate and serial entrepreneur, is driving a local tech renaissance one internship — and startup — at a time through new 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ program.

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ student and 'Survivor' contestant David Jelinsky returns to campus with lessons learned from his reality show appearance.

Go-getter Charles Weber found academic and professional development opportunities through MGM scholarship program at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.