Donor Spotlight: Mitchell Felton '13
Mitchell Felton '13 has become a household name and a frequent, celebrated and energetic presence at Pitzer despite residing in San Francisco. Proud and grateful to be a Pitzer alumnus, Mitchell served on the College's Alumni Board from 2014 to 2017, interviews prospective students, organizes and hosts events for alumni in the Bay Area, serves as an all-around ambassador and champion for Pitzer, and holds this special distinction—Mitchell is the youngest person to make a planned gift to the College.
"Working in fundraising now, I have seen the impact that planned gifts of all sizes have on nonprofit organizations, and I wanted to be able to leave an additional mark on Pitzer," says Mitchell, who serves as the assistant director for development at the University of San Francisco.
Having had a rich and life-changing experience at Pitzer—"There were highs and lows, but definitely many more highs than lows," he says—Mitchell wants to make sure future students have access to the same opportunities he received through his Pitzer education. Taking action, he has dedicated a portion of his estate, through a planned gift, to be given to the College to support scholarships after he has passed on.
"It's important to me to support Pitzer's commitment to accessibility," he says.
Recalling his Pitzer experience, he noted that "besides forcing me to mature a little bit," Pitzer gave him enduring friendships around the globe, keen analytical and writing skills, a passion for giving back and helping others, and the ability to think with depth and breadth: "I really value what Pitzer taught me and how Pitzer taught me."
"The Pitzer experience is special, and I want future students to have the opportunity to engage with great faculty and staff, join clubs that are making an impact in the community, and make lifelong friendships, all while enjoying Grove House cookies!" he says.
About his planned gift and giving back to Pitzer, Mitchell encourages his fellow alumni to give each year, even if it is just a nominal amount, and to follow in his footsteps in making a planned gift.
"I'm giving through my retirement account by including Pitzer as a partial beneficiary. It's easy to do, easy to set up, costs me nothing in my lifetime, and I can always change it. Ultimately though, it has a lot of benefits for Pitzer students."
During his time at Pitzer he was an admission fellow, Admission Office junior staff member, senate member on the Student-Alumni Relations committee, president of the 5C Circle K International Club, member of the Asian Pacific American Coalition, a first-year mentor, a member of the senior class gift committee, and an enthusiastic participant in the staff/faculty/student flash mob on an Admitted Student Day: "I will never forget it."
Support Your Pitzer Passion
You can follow in Mitchell's footsteps and support the Pitzer experience with an estate gift. Contact Lily Shin at plannedgiving@pitzer.edu or 909.621.8432 today to learn more about your giving options.