(November 14, 2012)

Alumna named AFP North Louisiana Outstanding Young Philanthropist

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary alumna Macy Stockton '12 was named as one of two American Fundraising Professionals (AFP) North Louisiana Chapter's Outstanding Young Philanthropists this past week during the AFP National Philanthropy Day luncheon.

"The Office of Global Engagement nominated Macy Stockton because of the great contributions she made to the Centenary and Shreveport-Bossier communities as a student leader," said Chris Lavan, Director of Global Engagement. "She did a phenomenal job as this past year's Student Director of the BIG Event, and served in multiple leadership roles that enabled her to make real, lasting positive change."

While at Centenary, Stockton served as the BIG Event Assistant Director for three years and as the Executive Director her senior year. The BIG Event is the largest, one-day, student-run service project in the nation. In her four years, a total of 950 participants worked at 115 service sites and saved the surrounding community over $24,000.

Stockton also participated in the Christian Leadership Center, Chi Omega Sorority, Residence Life, Student Ambassadors, and Maroon Jackets at Centenary. In her role as Community Service Director for Chi Omega, she was able to lead the effort in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise money for a local child, Ben, with a life-threatening medical condition. Stockton found that close, personal connections were what made her philanthropy efforts so rewarding:

"Meeting Ben, our wish child, and raising the money needed for his wish was a wonderful experience. I am forever thankful for the opportunities Centenary gave me to do these things!"

Stockton graduated from Centenary this past May with a major in religious studies and minors in sociology and gender studies. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at Fordham University. Though she has left Centenary, Stockton holds close the lessons she learned here.

"Centenary definitely influenced the way I approach volunteering," said Stockton. "I have always been passionate about service, but my Centenary experience gave me the opportunity to grow it in a way I'd never been able to before. Being given leadership opportunities in service organizations helped me to take my passion for serving and find a way to allow others to do the same."

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) North Louisiana Chapter fosters the development of ethical fundraising professionals and celebrates philanthropy throughout North Louisiana. National Philanthropy Day recognizes philanthropists for their leadership and service.