The 9th annual #WarriorsGive online campaign generated more than $60,000 for Eastern students over three days this November. With a $20,000 matching gift from Theresa Kalber ’70 and her husband, Ray, more than 120 individual contributions helped fund scholarships, athletics and academic enrichment programs.

“Gifts of all sizes are powerful investments in Eastern's mission,” said Ryan Rose, associate director of Institutional Advancement. “We’re especially grateful for the continued generosity of Theresa Kalber '70 and her husband, Ray, whose matching gift inspired others to give and made this year’s campaign one of our most successful yet.”

Theresa and Ray Kalber dedicated nearly 60 years of their careers to education, serving as public school teachers in the Vernon and Tolland school systems. Their passion for education continues to shape their philanthropy.

“The youth in this country are our future and must be educated with the skills of tomorrow,” said Theresa. Ray added, “As graduates of state universities and retired public-school teachers, we know the value of education and are committed to supporting it.”

Acknowledging that last year’s #WarriorsGive campaign faced challenges without a match to incentivize donors, Joe McGann, director of Institutional Advancement, said: “This year, the Kalber match was critical, as it energized donors and helped us raise five times more than last fall. ...These gifts strengthen the student experience, provide financial aid and scholarships, enhance the campus and help prepare tomorrow's leaders.”

The Kalbers are steadfast supporters of Eastern, donating well over six figures over the past eight years. Among their contributions include $45,000 this year alone — $20,000 for the #WarriorsGive matching gift and $25,000 earlier this fall for the nursing program. Other previous major gifts include $20,000 for the Trawick-Smith Early Childhood Education Research Fund and $10,000 in scholarships for women education students with STEM backgrounds. In 2016, they established the Kalber Education Department Fund, which they have continued to grow.

In recognition of their generosity, the Kalbers were honored with the ECSU Foundation Distinguished Donor Award in 2018-19.