As a resident advisor at Roanoke College, Senn Boswell '21 saw the impact of giving firsthand. When students struggled to pay for transportation or medical expenses during the pandemic, the Maroon Emergency Fund swooped in to help cover those needs, allowing them to focus on what mattered most: Keeping up with their studies.
Now working as director of correspondence for Wyoming Sen. John Barasso, Boswell wants to do his part to support giving at Roanoke. That’s why he agreed to serve as Young Associates Chair, where he spreads the word about how giving can support student success.
"I've always believed in making sure I give back to places that have done more for me, and I feel that way about Roanoke," Boswell said. "Shortly after graduating and getting myself settled in D.C., I sought the opportunity to set up a recurring donation. I specifically chose the Maroon Emergency Fund as my designee because I've seen the positive impact it can have on students who are in crisis or struggling."
At Roanoke, Boswell earned degrees in business and political science. In addition to his work as an RA, he sang in the choir, worked in Student Activities, and served as president of Student Government Association and treasurer of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. He also teamed up with Noah Crist ’23 to build the RC Minecraft server, which gave students an innovative way to gather safely during the pandemic.
Boswell believes students must find ways to make the most of their college experience, like he did. That’s easier to do with the kind of resources that come through giving societies such as Young Associates.
Young Associates is a group of recent graduates who choose to start giving back to the College right away. The program offers graduates from the past decade membership in the esteemed Associates Society through a more accessible tiered giving structure. Donors may choose to support essential operating funds or direct their gifts to specific areas, such as scholarships or athletics.
“You can always ease in to giving,” Boswell said. “You don't need to dive in headfirst; you can set up small monthly donations at a rate you can afford to give, knowing that every little bit counts and that, as you feel more able, you can increase it.”