With sons Sean '10 and Brennan '11 at MICA - far from their home in Lake Barrington, Illinois - Kevin Donovan has welcomed the chance to learn more about the place where his sons are studying. While serving on MICA's national Parents Council, he was prompted to make his first leadership-level gift to the College this year.

"When you write a tuition check for two students, it leaves you kind of breathless," he observed. "But I've come to realize what's involved in running a school like MICA, how much of what makes MICA great isn't covered by tuition and fees. We all make contributions to charities: why not give to the school your children are going to attend so that they can receive the benefits of your gift? My sons' progression has been actually very amazing. It really is gratifying to see that they are learning and growing as artists."

Donovan credits the environment at MICA for keeping his sons inspired. "I think it's the camaraderie with other students, the chance to learn from outstanding peers. Sean and Brennan have both said that the other students at MICA help inspire them."