A FUTURE SO
BRIGHT
"EVERYBODY PITCHING
IN GIVES YOU THAT
SENSE OF PRIDE IN
YOUR COMMUNITY
AND YOUR CAMPUS. IT
MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE
YOU BELONG."
CINDY CHOMIAK
does for the community. And they believe in
all the good things JU is doing.
JU: Tell us about your experience with
ASPIRE scholarships.
CC: We loved the idea of ASPIRE scholars.
Having lived internationally, we realized
how blessed we are in America, and
that’s not always the case for people who
live overseas. The stipulation for our first
scholarship was that they had to be an
undocumented student or a student on a
refugee visa. We were purposefully trying
to help someone who we knew would have
additional challenges.
These kids come over and take every
opportunity presented to them and really
make a difference on campus. They make
JU a more empathic and caring place.
Marty’s grandparents came over from the
Ukraine through Ellis Island, and my great
grandparents came over from Norway, so
I think of the ASPIRE scholarships as our
little way of helping this next generation of
immigrants coming to America.
JU: How has your involvement with JU over
the past few years impacted your life?
CC: When we leave campus, we don’t get
in the car, put on the radio, and drive home.
We talk about what more we can do. We
leave so energized. Whether it is a play,
musical performance, public policy event,
or watching Jacksonville Who?, the film by
Frank Pace. It's the same when Marty comes
home from a DCOB meeting. He comes back
so energized that we spend a whole dinner
conversation talking about it.
JU: What advice would you give to
alumni or future alumni about why they
should get involved? How do we inspire
the next generation of volunteer leaders?
CC: I hope that young alums, or even
alums our age, will see the value in not
only giving of their time and talents but
also their resources. No matter how
large or small. It could be half a day,
once a year, or it could be a $25 check.
Everybody pitching in gives you that
sense of pride in your community and
your campus. It makes you feel like you
belong, and that’s a good thing.
It’s not about what someone can give. It’s
about having that pride in giving.
SHIRCLIFF CIRCLE
Launched in 2018, the Shircliff Circle is a
giving society that honors the individuals,
corporations and foundations who make gifts
to Jacksonville University for three or more
consecutive years. The society was named
for devoted supporter Robert “Bob” Shircliff,
former Chairman of the JU Board of Trustees
and a Society of Trustees member. Bob and
his wife Carol have been annual supporters
of the University for more than 50 consecutive
years. Their consistent support of the
University advances JU's mission to prepare
students for lifelong success in learning,
achieving, leading and serving.
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