Donor Spotlight: Jon Parro '81 and Diane Parro '80

Jon Parro '81 and Diane (Watanabe) Parro '80 discovered a lot at Pitzer College—meaningful relationships, expanded world views, a passion for social justice and each other. The longtime married alumni also found in Pitzer an institution they continue to believe in decades later and are now supporting the College with a planned gift to the President's Endowed Fund for Excellence*.

"We wanted to do something meaningful with our financial resources, something long lasting that reflects our deeply held values, and a planned gift made it possible for us—and anyone else—to be generous in the long term without compromising our financial stability in the present," Jon says. "We designated our money to this visionary fund because we have a great deal of respect for the leaders that Pitzer has chosen, including the most recent selection of Melvin Oliver. Our gift is endorsement not just of Pitzer but of its leadership."

Coming from fairly humble backgrounds, both Jon and Diane credit Pitzer for making their world bigger.

"You were encouraged to look at the world from different perspectives to understand it better and find a meaningful role for yourself," Jon says. "Living in a bigger world—that's what really changed for me."

"Pitzer was transformational," Diane says. "It dramatically changed the way I thought about the world. Key to my experience was that new things were continually introduced and I left feeling very confident in being able to navigate life."

Indeed, they have both been successful in steering their careers and family life. Diane serves as chief innovation officer for the City of Davis, and Jon, after almost three decades in higher education—including Pitzer's Office of Admission—is now deeply involved in his lifelong aspiration to be a counselor.

To further ensure that Pitzer continues to wonderfully and profoundly impact people's lives, Jon and Diane aren't stopping at making their own gift—they want to inspire others to do the same.

"Lots and lots of people will benefit from the benevolence of a contribution to higher education, and Pitzer is a very special place. Just do it," encourages Diane.

"Think about how you can reflect your most deeply held values through your own charitable giving," Jon adds. "No matter the amount, you can make a difference in the lives of others."

*The President's Fund for Excellence and the President's Endowed Fund for Excellence allow access to resources to seize opportunities and support initiatives that celebrate the values of Pitzer College: community, diversity, dialogue, inquiry and action. All gifts to these funds enable the College's president to launch special initiatives, meet pressing needs as they arise and capitalize on emerging opportunities to strengthen academic and student life programs.

To make a commitment to the future of Pitzer College like the Parros have done, please contact Lily Shin at 909.621.8432 or plannedgiving@pitzer.edu to get started.