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It’s an unusual alum who starts giving to the college on graduation day, but that’s Howard Heller ’65 for you. And he hasn’t broken the pattern since.
Over the years, Heller has chaired Lafayette’s annual fund-raising committee and, since 1996, has been fund manager for the Class of ‘65. He is also cochair of Preview ‘05, a planning group that coordinates annual fund activities with those of classes holding reunions in 2005.
“I get all excited when I talk about the annual fund,” says Heller, a government graduate who signed a pledge to give $5 or $10 annually (he forgets which) on the day he received his diploma.
Asking for money is easy, he said, when you believe in the cause.
“I recognize the value of the College and how much it really depends on this,” explains Heller. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t dedicate my time.” In addition . . . well, there’s this: “If you enjoy talking to people and enjoy talking to your classmates, it’s kind of fun.”
A tool and equipment salesman, Heller lives in north-central New Jersey with his wife, Pamela, a speech pathologist. A son, Matt, 28, designs footwear for Reebok; a daughter, Robin, 23, is a ski instructor.
Better than fund-raising, though, is interviewing prospective students. Heller meets with six to 16 students annually in northern New Jersey.
“I go to their homes, talk to their parents and possibly their brothers and sisters over coffee or tea,” he explains. “It’s been very rewarding to me because I’ve gotten some nice results,” including several Marquis Scholars.
Heller is currently working with a high pole-vaulter whom he described as “a nice girl — bright, something special — a good Lafayette prospect.”
And — who knows? — perhaps a graduation-day donor someday.
Fund-raising easy when you believe in the cause, says Heller ’65