Donor Profile: Donors Always Vary

Geoff Falksen '05

profession

History graduate student enrolled in master's degree programs at both Albertus Magnus College and Southern Connecticut State University, with plans to earn a Ph.D. from Yale. Recently finished writing a science fiction/horror novel set in the Victorian era.

Most Influential SLC Faculty

Elfie Raymond (Philosophy), Philip Swoboda (History),Bill Shullenberger (Literature) and David Bernstein (History), whose enthusiasm for and knowledge of history gave students "a much-needed energy boost."

First Gift to SLC

$500 to the Fund for Sarah Lawrence in 2006

Most Recent Gift

$50, a month later, for the Bates Challenge

Also Supports

Local soup kitchens and homeless shelters in New Haven, Conn.

Most Recent Book Read

The Good German by Joseph Kanon

Statement

"I think students at SLC sometimes don't understand how unique the learning environment there is. Really, there is almost nothing like it in the rest of the United States. The seminars allowed us to direct our own study and research. Instead of just regurgitating material, we were thinking, processing, discussing. Most schools teach you how to be consumers of education; at Sarah Lawrence you learn how to produce quality work of your own. For me it proved to be the perfect preparation for grad school. My master's programs didn't come as a shock, because as an undergrad, I was already doing graduate-level work."