Alumni Band Together to Establish a Greek Life Fund at Oswego

In spring 1979, then 18-year-old Sue Tighe-Cushman ’82 had no idea that pledging Alpha Delta Eta at SUNY Oswego would change her life.

She had no idea that years later at 3 a.m., her sorority songs would be the only thing she could think of to sing her infant son back to sleep.

Nor did she realize how close she would become to not only the 17 young women who were pledging with her in 1979, but generations of AD sisters who preceded and followed her at SUNY Oswego. In fact, she saw more than 200 of her sisters at Reunion 2015 in June when the sorority celebrated 90 years at Oswego.

“I can honestly say that I am forever grateful to Oswego—not just for the signature on my diploma,” Tighe-Cushman said. “My Oswego experience goes far beyond that. It was at Oswego where I became part of my sorority, and created memories and a legacy of friendships that have changed my career and who I am.
It’s changed my life.”

Because of these strong emotional ties to her sorority, Tighe-Cushman wanted to support Greek life at her alma mater. She wanted to ensure others could develop a similar bond and carry on the Greek traditions at Oswego.

So when a Telefund student called her, Tighe-Cushman asked if she could direct her gift to support Greek life. Her question, coupled with interest from other alumni, prompted the creation of the new Greek Life Fund.

The fund will support educational programming, community service projects and other general needs of Greek life on the Oswego campus. All fund requests will be approved by a majority vote of the Greek Council.

Gifts are just beginning to come into the fund. As it grows, the funds will become available for student-use for educational programming and leadership development.

“There are so many ways that a fund like this could support Greeks on campus,” she said. “I was delighted to be able to direct my gift to something that has meant so much in my life. I know my brothers and sisters will appreciate the opportunity to join me in giving back to the college in this way.”

—Margaret Spillett

Support the Greek Life Fund

Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the Greek Life Fund can contact the Oswego College Foundation at 315-312-3003, develop@oswego.edu or alumni.oswego.edu/givenow.

Or checks payable to the Oswego College Foundation Inc. (memo line: Greek Life Fund) can be mailed to: Oswego College Foundation Inc., 215 Sheldon Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego NY 13126.

Were you involved in Greek life?

Let us know, and we will update your record, so you can hear about events and news from your fraternity or sorority. Contact us at alumni@oswego.edu; 315-312-2258; or King Alumni Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego NY 13126.

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