Young Alum Already Giving Back

July 15, 2008

Most young alumni, from institutions around the U.S., are just trying to get their start in the working world and a few bucks in their bank accounts.

At Stonehill, one young alumnus is already giving back.

Mike Walsh '05 works for a non-profit charity organization in his native California-but still makes a point of giving to Stonehill each year.

"Mike came to Stonehill because his uncle is a Holy Cross Father; he's very appreciative that his education was provided to him thanks to the Congregation of Holy Cross," said Gift Planning Officer Sharon Doyle.

"He's young but he's already named Stonehill as a beneficiary in his estate plan. That's amazing," Doyle said.

Stonehill: What do you do at your non-profit agency?

Walsh: I work for the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC), a non-profit affordable housing developer here in Southern California... (We've) developed over 3,500 units of affordable housing for farm workers, people with special needs, seniors, and hardworking families in a service area roughly three times the size of Massachusetts.

I'm the Land Acquisition Manager, and I coordinate the purchase of all the land we need to keep up with our demanding production schedule.

I do all this living in Indio, California where today it is a balmy 115 degrees.

Stonehill: Working there, you must not make too much money, yet you still contribute to Stonehill. Why give even though you don't have to?

Walsh: I don't have to? Fr. Mark told me that I still owe money for some dorm damage that I did my senior year... In all seriousness, my parents have always instilled in me that everything that we have in life is a gift, and to those who much is given, much is to be expected. I have been given so very much in my life, and if I can provide someone else with a helping hand, I am more than willing to provide them with such an opportunity.

Stonehill: Why did you decide to work for a non-profit?

Walsh: After College I decided to do a year of service with the Holy Cross Associates, a post-graduate service organization founded by the Holy Cross Fathers. I spent the year working at a homeless shelter in the Emergency Assistance Office, and, during that year, I realized that I wanted to spend my life helping people.

CVHC allows me to help people get into housing, and also work at a level that is on par or higher than many for-profit companies. Working at a non-profit company has at its core helping people and that commitment is carried throughout the organization. The decisions that are made at CVHC and other non-profits are not based on how to improve the bottom line, but how to improve the lives of the families we serve.

Stonehill: You've made a significant commitment to the Attaining the Summit Campaign. What prompted that decision?

Walsh: My Uncle Fr. Frank Walsh, C.S.C. is the reason that I attended Stonehill. Without his continued dedication as a Holy Cross priest for over 51 years to the College and the Holy Cross Community, I would've never had the financial means to attend such a top flight institution. I am forever thankful to my Uncle Frank for this gift and for his humor and support throughout my life, especially during my four years at Stonehill.

I would feel as though I were stealing from Stonehill and my Uncle if I did not begin to attempt repay Stonehill for all the gifts that it has given me.

Stonehill: Will you support Stonehill throughout your life? Do you have goals of what you'd like to give?

Walsh: As long as Stonehill will keep cashing my checks, I will keep donating to Stonehill College. In terms of goals I would love to have the opportunity to establish a scholarship in honor of my Uncle Frank, and provide others with the same opportunity that I was provided.

Stonehill: Your Stonehill experience must have been special.

Walsh: Choosing to attend Stonehill College was one of the best decisions I have made or will ever make.

The friends that I made there are worth more to me than all the gold in the world, and though I do not get to see them as often as I would like I know that they are always there for me.

The education that Stonehill provided me has allowed me to compete with anyone on any playing field, and has armed me with the ability to confront situations with a clear moral compass.