PROVIDING GIFTS OF TOOLS AND TIME
Alumni rally around Center for Financial Literacy North Central’s Center for Financial Literacy (CFL) equips students from majors across the College, both in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship and outside of it, with the knowledge, life skills and confidence to talk about and manage money while they are in college and beyond. It’s a cause that several alumni have rallied around by sharing their expertise and providing gifts of time and donations that make a tangible difference in students’ lives. Everyone’s path to financial literacy is unique, and the personal nature of the CFL program makes it possible for alumni to think creatively and give of themselves as they help students become proficient in understanding loans and other debt, investing, insurance, and retirement planning. Dr. Ryan Decker ’07, assistant professor of economics and finance, directs the CFL and is grateful to have alumni involved. “I am ecstatic to have alumni interested in the Center for Financial Literacy — the fact that they reached out to me shows us that there is a need for this,” Decker said. “We survive thanks to people who believe in our mission. We are proud to report
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that we are 100 percent financed through donors and grants. With more we can do more, but we are happy with the extensive reach we currently have.” THE GIFT OF ACCESS AND INFORMATION As founder and managing partner of Insight Financial Partners LLC, Michael K. Smith ’96 knows the value of the lessons students gain through financial literacy. He was inspired to give back to the College by contributing an institutional membership to Barron’s Investing in Education, giving students access to news, articles and experts to help them gain industry knowledge and
