A Mission to Bring About Change

The collective power of individual giving has a great impact and can transform a student’s experience. It certainly did for me.

—Amber Larkin, ’19 MATL

By Tina Potterf

Amber Larkin, a 2019 graduate of the School of Theology and Ministry, exemplifies what it means to be transformed by the university’s mission.

When she was an undergraduate at Santa Clara University, Larkin envisioned an education and experiences that would enable her to change the system and right wrongs when it comes to public policy.

Through the course of graduate school, where Larkin earned a Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership, she says her perspective shifted. Recognizing that policy changes do not translate into changes in individual’s behavior and attitudes, Larkin, who will be pursuing a PhD, wants to be part of an organization that is more mission-focused, “where there is trust, community, collaboration and a healthy work-life balance.”

Building community was important to Larkin and evident in her active involvement on campus. As president and board chair of the Graduate Student Council she was able to bring representation to issues critical to graduate student success, from access and programs to transportation services and outreach to administration. Through the Graduate Student Council Larkin got a seat as an ExOfficio member on the Board of Regents.

The issue of access and affordability for college are issues of particular interest to Larkin, a firstgeneration student who was able to achieve her academic goals through hard work, perseverance and the support of scholarships. Larkin was the recipient of the Phyllis Anderson Leadership Scholarship, Judith Pickard Endowed Scholarship and a Theology and Ministry Scholarship.

“Scholarships make a world of difference. They give you some breathing room and less stress” on how you are going to pay for school, says Larkin, who encourages others to consider making a difference through giving or establishing a scholarship fund.

“The collective power of individual giving has a great impact and can transform a student’s experience,” she says. “It certainly did for me.”