Andrea Shaver Carpenter BFA ’17

Loyal Tiger: Andrea Shaver Carpenter ’17

During one of her first days on campus as a first year student, Andrea Shaver Carpenter ’17 attended an orientation activity that included an introductory session with RIT alumni. This was just the beginning of a wonderful relationship she developed with the alumni relations team, from volunteering as a student, to working as an undergraduate marketing intern in the department, to her time today as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. As an undergraduate student she gravitated towards service and leadership opportunities, serving as a student government Senator, Vice-President, and President.  It was during these activities that Andrea learned the importance of philanthropy, and participated as a student in fundraising and volunteer initiatives that support RIT.

As a student, Andrea learned that she could give to areas at RIT that were important to her, and she has continued her philanthropic support as an alumna along with her husband, fellow alum Andrew Carpenter ’17.  They have chosen to support areas of the university that were important to them as students. Andrea was involved in performing arts and was also the recipient of two different scholarships, and was interested in giving back to these areas so that she could “pay it forward” to other students. Beyond scholarship support, she and Andrew have chosen to support various student clubs, the Tiger Spirit Fund, and Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Andrea and Andrew are members of the Loyal Tigers Society, which recognizes donors who give two or more years in a row.  They started giving back as students and have continued to support RIT every year since graduating.

Andrea stresses that “giving back in any way is valuable” and would like to encourage fellow alums to find ways to support and stay connected to RIT, whether through philanthropy or volunteering. Andrea and Andrew have both provided mentoring and network opportunities to current RIT students who are pursuing careers either in their geographic area or within the same discipline in which they work. They have also volunteered for admissions by participating in college fairs in their area. They encourage all alums to give back in any way that works for them, and to “open their doors” to students and welcome them to the amazing RIT alumni community.