Steps Magazine Summer 2015,
01
June
2015
|
14:54 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Student profile: Katie Boggs - A Passion for Giving Back

By Katie Chappell

An enthusiastic leader on campus, Katie Boggs is excited to share her love for CSUSM and leave a legacy at the University for years to come. In her role as chair of the Student Philanthropy Council, she hopes to convince all of her fellow students of the importance of giving back.

“I’m passionate about getting involved with something bigger than myself,” shared Katie. “Students may ask how their small gift can truly make a difference, but when we all work together we can change the game for a student in need.”

The Student Philanthropy Council, formerly the Senior Class Gift Campaign, is a student committee dedicated to growing the culture of giving on campus. Their mission is to raise funds for an endowed scholarship annually awarded to a deserving student.

Prepared to Succeed

There are many reasons to give back to your university, but one of Katie’s motivations is to acknowledge Cal State San Marcos for providing her with a solid launching pad to her career. A business major with an emphasis on supply chain management, last year Katie summer interned at ViaSat, a communications company based in Carlsbad. That summer internship turned into a part-time position, and in May she joined ViaSat full-time as a procurement specialist while she finishes up her final coursework toward a fall 2015 graduation. She is grateful for how the College of Business Administration at CSUSM has prepared her to take classroom concepts and apply them in the workplace, encouraging her to think outside the box to find solutions to perplexing problems.

“My classes challenged me to constantly do more than what was expected,” Katie said. “If I can use that same mindset in my workplace, I think I’ll be an effective and successful employee.”

“
Katie Boggs, '15
Students may ask how their small gift can truly make a difference, but when we all work together we can change the game for a student in need.
Katie Boggs, '15
„

Close Community, Endless Opportunities

Outside of the classroom, Katie is the portrait of an involved student. She describes Cal State San Marcos as the perfect university because of its balance between close-knit community and big opportunities. She has certainly made use of many leadership opportunities during her tenure at CSUSM. Over her student career, she has served as a student representative on the University’s Foundation Board, the chair of Associated Students, Inc.’s Board of Directors, a resident advisor at University Village Apartments and as an Orientation Team leader.

“The connections I have made here have launched me into leadership roles and opportunities I never could have imagined,” she reflected. “CSUSM really is creating leaders that will impact this region in countless ways after graduation.”

Make a Difference

As a champion of philanthropy, Katie wants to encourage all students, as well as parents, alumni and friends to contribute to the Student Philanthropy Fund. In a video challenging their fellow students to give, the council suggests a donation of $20.15 in honor of the graduating class of 2015.

“It is not about the amount of time or money you can donate,” said Katie. “The simple act of giving back can mean the world to someone in need.”

To join Katie in giving to the Student Philanthropy Fund, please visit: www.csusm.edu/studentsgiveback