Young Alumna Supports FIU With Estate Gift

Rachelle Metcalfe

FIU graduate Rachelle Metcalfe is an inspiring example of a young alumna who embodies what it means to give back to an institution that has provided so much to her as a student. With her recent planned gift—a life insurance policy with a death benefit of $100,000—Rachelle has become the youngest among other alumni who have supported the FIU Honors College with major gifts over the years. Her gift will fund the FIU Honors College General Endowment and establish the Metcalfe Family First Generation Scholarship Endowment, providing scholarships to undergraduate Honors students. Here's more about Rachelle and why she chose to give to her beloved alma mater.

Please tell us about your history with FIU. What is your fondest memory at FIU?

My first experience with FIU was in 2005, when I entered as a freshman. During that year, I became a student assistant at the College of Business. I later earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2008, the same year that I began working at the FIU Honors College. In 2012, I earned a Master of Science in Counselor Education with a major in clinical mental health counseling.

Throughout my 10 years at FIU, there have been many memorable moments, but I must admit that my favorite was my study abroad experience in Italy. Through the Honors College, I had the amazing opportunity of visiting Italy, where I met some of my closest friends and learned about the history and culture of such a beautiful country.

What do you love most about FIU and your involvement at the university?

I would definitely have to go with the students. The students at FIU are like no other. They are greatly diverse, interested in making an impact in our world and are committed to service as well as academic achievements. The students are some of the most influential young people I have ever had the opportunity of meeting. They never cease to amaze me. I am proud to call myself a fellow alumna.

Within the university lies the Honors College, a program dedicated to excellence and fostering individual growth by molding potential leaders and providing them an opportunity to stand out regardless of their age, background or economic status. FIU Honors College holds a special place in my heart.

Tell us about your volunteer experience at FIU. Why do you continue to give of your time?

I currently serve as the faculty advisor for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, an honors society dedicated to recognizing outstanding academic achievement among first and second year college students while developing leadership skills and philanthropic opportunities. Through this organization, I provide mentorship and career guidance for students and assist with fundraising ideas and events.

It is important for me to give not only financially but my time as well. I hope to serve as an example for the youth in our community. My goal is to exemplify the dedication and leadership the university aims to instill in all of those who come in contact with it.

Your planned gift supports both the Honors College and the First Generation Scholarship Fund. Why did you decide to give to those in particular?

While visiting thousands of students at hundreds of different South Florida high schools in my current role as assistant director of Enrollment Services, I've made a real effort in communicating and connecting with students on an individual level. Each aspirant has a distinct story filled with unique challenges, needs and goals. It's my mission to provide guidance and assistance to each one of these cases.

Recently, I've taken on an additional role assigning Honors College scholarships. In this position, I've become aware of the extreme need for financial assistance for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Supporting First Generation Scholarships, my donation will be matched 100 percent by the state of Florida, doubling its impact. As a first generation student myself, I wanted to help others who aspire to be the first in their family to attain a college degree and reach their dreams.

What does giving to FIU mean to you and why is it important? In other words, how has your relationship with FIU shaped your desire or commitment to give back to the university?

I was looking for a way to give back to my alma mater in a big way. Specifically, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the students—the very backbone of this great university. I always knew that I would give back to the school that gave me my first full-time job, facilitated the environment for me to meet my closest friends and fostered my education as I became the first in my family to go to college.

My experiences at FIU shaped the person that I am today and provided me with mentors who have helped me create my long-term career goals. To put it simply, FIU is my second home. I've grown up here, and it is a very large part of my life. This is my chance to give back and to inspire others to do the same.

Why have you specifically chosen to give through the financial vehicle of a planned gift?

Through this terrific planned gift opportunity, I was able to become the youngest donor to commit a major gift to FIU. My hope was to set an example for other young professionals to give back regardless of economic standing. With education being the cornerstone of success, my priorities focus on making that education possible for others in the community. My gift has also inspired me to become more involved within the community, spread the word about the value of giving back and encourage others to follow suit.

How do you hope to impact FIU students with your gift? What is the legacy you hope to leave at FIU?

I hope my gift will allow other students to have the amazing opportunities that I had at FIU. Since my undergraduate years, university aid has been drastically reduced nationwide due to cuts in the educational budget and state funding. With this gift, I can really make a real difference. I can now personally lend a hand to some of these remarkable students looking to achieve their educational and professional dreams.

What words of wisdom would you share with someone who will benefit from your gift?

I would tell them to take advantage of every opportunity that the university has to offer. Do not be the person who regrets not participating in a study abroad. Do not be the person who forgoes that incredible internship because it was unpaid. Make sacrifices now, and they will pay off exponentially for your future. If there is anything you learn from FIU, it is that you never stop learning. Do not be afraid to take risks.

What makes FIU unique or Worlds Ahead?

Being Worlds Ahead means doing more than what is expected of you on a consistent basis, a trait that I see in our students, staff and faculty. From an Honors student creating a water filtration system for an indigenous tribe to an FIU alumnus raising money for first generation college students, we consistently exceed expectations. We are not quiet about social injustice, we are not interested in "clocking in and out" in pursuit of a dream, and we simply demand the best out of ourselves, our university and our community. As FIU President Rosenberg says, "We make the impossible the inevitable."

What advice would you give to a potential donor who is considering investing in FIU?

Our students are some of the best in the nation. They are intelligent, dedicated and driven. They come from all backgrounds with unique stories of overcoming obstacles and wanting to achieve ultimate success. It is our responsibility as members of this community to help these students and give them the opportunity to make their dreams come true. This is the future of our country, of our world. Let's give them the best shot we can.

What do you hope to see FIU achieve in the next few years?

An Honors College building and a national championship for our football team. That would be amazing.

Create Your Legacy

Join Rachelle Metcalfe in investing in the future of FIU by making a planned gift to the University. Contact us to get started.