Central College graduate Garrett Hill, Class of 2009, is paying it forward by committing $4,000 over four years to the Journey Scholarship Fund. Now in the second year of his Sponsor a Student pledge, Garrett, who was a business management major, football player and student ambassador on campus, is ensuring future students have access to the same transformative experiences that shaped his time at Central.
Currently a senior consultant for consumer operations at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Hill leverages his company’s community grant program to maximize his impact. Through participation in his employer-based charitable giving program and challenge-based giving initiatives such as Hoo-Rah Day and Giving Tuesday, he and his wife, Emily, have amplified support for Central.
“I try to participate in those challenges because they often include a matching component, making each dollar stretch further,” says Hill. “Beyond that, I take advantage of Wells Fargo’s community grant program, which allows me to turn my volunteer hours — such as coaching my kids’ sports teams — into grants for nonprofits like Central.”
Hill’s contributions to Central stem from deep gratitude for the education, mentorship and experiences he gained during his time on campus.
“Central played a foundational role in shaping who I am, both professionally and personally,” Hill says. “Supporting the college is my way of giving back and ensuring future students have access to the same incredible opportunities that I did.”
The Journey Scholarship Fund helps make a Central education accessible to more students by providing vital financial aid. Cindy Wilson, giving officer, emphasizes the significance of young alumni stepping forward with their support. The Sponsor a Student four-year pledge option makes the commitment easier.
“Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of our students,” Wilson says. “A gift of $4,000 stretched out over four years is a wonderful way to directly support a student through their entire Central experience. Coupled with employer matching gifts, we have found this to be helpful for our donors who may have young children and still have a passion for philanthropy and giving back to Central College.”
Through his continued commitment, Hill is helping Central maintain its high academic standards and robust student development opportunities. His passion for giving ensures that future generations of Central students will benefit from the same community, mentorship and experiences that shaped his own journey.
For more information about Central’s Sponsor a Student program, contact Cindy Wilson, give officer at wilsconc@central.edu or 641-628-5382.
