Cathy (Pearce) Standiford ’81 believes in community and in giving something back.
“As a former city manager, I understand how important communities are to enhancing quality of life, encouraging educational achievement, fostering economic empowerment and social justice, and creating a hope-filled future,” said Standiford who recently completed a $50,000 pledge to Whittier College with targeted support for the Center for Engagement with Communities (CEC).
“I support the CEC because its programs create an important bridge between the College and the surrounding community.”
With Standiford’s support, the CEC, headed by Professor of Political Science Joyce Kaufman, offers a $3,000 and a $4,000 fellowship for students working within the CEC.
The Standiford Mentor Program Fellow coordinates the CEC’s flagship mentorship program that connects Whittier College students with local high school students who would likely be the first in their families to attend college.
“It does not take a lot of money to create a fellowship,” said Standiford whose second program—the Standiford Research Fellowship— provides a summer stipend for a student wishing to complete a summer internship or research opportunity, but would not otherwise be able to afford it.
“I have met every single recipient,” said Standiford. “Each has been smart, enthusiastic about the CEC and its programs, and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the community.”
Standiford is a partner at Management Partners, which specializes in helping local government leaders improve their operations. Before joining the firm, she was an innovative local government administrator, with executive experience in small, medium, and large communities.
“When I get frustrated by the growing polarization in our country, the erosion of civility in our politics (at all levels of government), and the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots, the one thing that keeps me grounded is doing what I can to help make communities better,” she added.