People underestimate the importance of having a supportive community, says second-year computer science student Nuha Aljammas.

A recipient of the IT Services Scholarship in Computer Science, she says she hopes to return the favour when she begins her professional career.

“Receiving the scholarship has had a big influence on the success I enjoy today,” says Aljammas. “I am inspired to support other students when I graduate and have the same effect on them.”

The scholarship is funded by contributions to the Annual Giving Program by employees of Information Technology Services. Executive director Ryan Kenney says his staff is quick to respond to the call for donations.

“It provides an opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of our students through a variety programs, services, and other support resources that ultimately serve to enhance their overall experience at the University of Windsor,” says Kenney, co-chair of the annual giving campaign.

Database administrator Domenic Panetta, a graduate of the University himself, calls it “an honour” to assist students following behind.

“Our students are driven and ambitious to become integral contributors to their communities,” says Panetta. “With the proper support their talents will be maximized, the more successful they will be, and the better our communities will be.”

The Annual Giving Program encourages employees and retirees to give to their favourite campus causes. A donation to the campaign by April 18 offers a chance for one of the incentives listed below:

• an extra vacation day;
• Beats headphones;
• Apple AirPods;
• Google Home smart speakers;
• a pair of University Players season passes;
• Lancer all-sports pass;
• $100 UwinCASH card;
• two tickets to see the Detroit Tigers host the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 11;
• two tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert June 9 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena;
• two tickets to the Who concert June 1 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

To make a tax-deductible donation online — including by convenient payroll deduction — visit the UWindsor donations page.