Giving Back - Donation asked to be placed elsewhere 1

[structuralsteelhead]

Recently I contacted my old mechanical drafting teacher from high school who left a life long impression on me with regards to drafting and presenting a construction/design document. Of course this was in the days of hand drafting, either parallel rule or vertical drafting arm/machine, but I tracked him down the other day to let him know I still think of him and his class and instruction and how I feel the experience had made me a better designer and engineer. I also let him know I would like to provide an excelling student, intent on a field of engineering and/or design a small scholarship and would be willing to do this for at least a number of years into the future. He responded with excitement and appreciation and went on to ask if I would mind if the award went toward the purchase of school equipment or field trips for the entire class and program. I'm still in the middle of my response and in a quandary as to while I see this as also beneficial, as to whether a fund raising program on the school side would have the same results for raising moneys for school property and field trips. Not exactly what I had in mind, but yes,...still beneficial. Any thoughts? Respond at your absolute leisure of course, this is not an Eng-Tips Emergency! ,....don't want anyone to miss a deadline over this.

 

[SLTA]

quick thoughts - equipment and field trips would benefit more kids than a scholarship for one student. who knows how many kids you could help with that kind of gift.

oh and - what a lovely thought!

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[IRstuff]

Given how badly funded schools are in general, new computers, equipment, etc., would benefit students for years to come.

Moreover, they could become a visible reminder and exhortation to new generations of students to have the same generosity.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[hokie66]

Both targeted and general donations to education are to be applauded. But if it is your wish to provide scholarships, I think you should do it.

 

[jari001]

I applaud your civic mindedness. Personally, I prefer your teacher's position, but your reasons for wanting to provide a scholarship are just as valid.

My only advice is don't taint the moment by insisting your money be spent your way. If you get the feeling your teacher REALLY wants to spend it on the class as a whole and you won't convince them otherwise, I'd cut the check and not look back.

 

[GregLocock]

"don't taint the moment by insisting your money be spent your way"

Hmm, war story here. When my brother and I left our high school for the foggy fens my mother decided to buy some books for the school library. Since we all like James Thurber she proposed to get a set of Thurber's books (slightly odd in the UK). The school, in its infinite wisdom, declared they were not appropriate.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[Triangled]

well, you're an inspiration....

you blessed that old man (sorry SLTA), err, person, with a great gift, that has nothing to do with money

he replied with the way he sees the situation...

and it's beautiful too....

yea, I confess I have a definite opinion of how your money should be spent, (maybe I should run for politics!), even in this situation, but, I kinda feel like I might just sit here and be quiet and watch you two artists at work, and maybe i'll learn something

 

[SandCounter]

I always prefer to specify how the money is spent. Whether to an individual or specific equipment. I would hate to think it could go into a rainy day fund and buy football gear.

I used to count sand. Now I don't count at all.

 

[IRstuff]

There are always options. The OP could certainly ask for specifications for the equipment desired and drive up with a truck full of that equipment.


Now, the school could, I suppose, hock the stuff for cold hard cash...

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

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[Compositepro]

The basic question is are you trying to make your teacher happy or yourself? It may be possible to do both, but which is your priority?

 

[Terratek]

What did you decide?