Giving in gratitude for lasting impact
Philip Moeller '63
Philip Moeller '63, a specialist with the World Bank, has led a life that has taken him far from the Hill. From Malaysia to Madagascar, he has engaged people in creating and sustaining institutional change. It's been a fulfilling career he had never considered — one he credits to his St. Olaf education.
"I hadn't realized the importance of my liberal arts education until I started working," says Philip. "The value system that went with it — cultural understanding, inclusivity, creative and intellectual expression, service and personal growth in faith — was a true advantage. I could do more comprehensive and insightful work." Philip has directed a large part of his estate to support off-campus study, D.C. area internships, student engagement with St. Olaf's art and special book collections, and programs that strengthen inclusion for Oles across gender, sexual orientation, culture, and race and ethnicity.
"Connecting with faculty and staff who are actively considering the impact I will make possible has been really exciting," says Philip. "I couldn't ask for anything more rewarding than this."
"It's a very different world today from when I graduated — my career was based on taking risk and chance and uncertainty, but that was part of the job," says Philip. "Students today really have to swim in that kind of world."
Now in Washington, D.C., Philip mentors Oles who visit the district for internships and St. Olaf's Career Connections programs. By letting St. Olaf know about his estate plans, Philip could deepen his connection to the programs his gifts will support.
"Connecting with faculty and staff who are actively considering the impact I will make possible has been really exciting," says Philip. "I couldn't ask for anything more rewarding than this."