From the Heart: Jane Tanner
Jane Tanner (Delta–Cornell) leads with her heart by volunteering her time, talent and treasure to advance women’s lives.
After graduation, Jane threw herself into volunteering with Alpha Phi. She became the Scholarship Advisor for Alpha (Syracuse) Chapter and enjoyed working with students there for several years. In Alpha Phi, Jane found an outlet for her passion to advance women’s lives by volunteering her time and talents at the chapter, regional and committee level.
When her career took off, Jane stepped back from volunteering to focus on her work. And, as many alumnae have found, Alpha Phi was there for her when she was ready to get involved again.
In the years that have followed, she served as a facilitator for the Emerging Leaders Institute and more recently as a Foundation volunteer.
To her, being a volunteer and a donor come down to one thing: “It’s the satisfaction of seeing others do a job well done in the programs I’ve invested in.”
Through volunteering, Jane reconnected with Alpha Phi’s mission of women supporting one another in lifelong achievement, leading her to consider philanthropy in new ways.
Paying it forward
In 1992, a woman professor at Onondaga Community College took a chance on Jane and offered her a teaching position at the college.
This woman became Jane’s role model in philanthropy and close mentor. She showed her the ropes, invested in her, and helped her hone her passions in teaching and in helping other women succeed. “She’s always had my back,” Jane said. And, Jane took note.
“If anyone has ever caught a break in your life, you know the importance of giving back.”
Inspired by her mentor’s philanthropy, Jane recently endowed a scholarship at Onondaga Community College specifically for women STEM students who transfer to a 4-year institution.
Just a few weeks ago, Jane met the first recipient of her scholarship. “If anyone has ever caught a break in your life, you know the importance of giving back,” Jane relates.
Jane majored in math herself, and she has taught math for years. “I wanted to pass along what has been good to me. I started on [the scholarship] about six years ago, and I’m proud of what I’ve built.”
Advocating for women supporting women
Jane believes in Greek Life and the important role sororities have in the lives of women like her. “Alpha Phi is a premiere women’s organization that gives collegians and alumnae a network of women who will support her in pursuing things beyond what she may have been able to without the support,” she said.
Today, Jane continues to be a driving force in advocating for women and their scholastic opportunities. She currently serves on the International Executive Board of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society for women educators, and she also serves on the Alpha Phi Foundation Program Advisory Group.
Investing in women is a lifelong passion for Jane, and Alpha Phi has benefited from being a part of her story.
Learn More
Hundreds of Alpha Phi alumnae choose to give back by sharing their time and talent. Their commitment makes our mission of advancing women’s lives through the power of philanthropy possible.
Through the generosity of donors, Alpha Phi Foundation scholarships help undergraduate and graduate members pursue advanced degrees.