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Dum Spiro Holds First Fundraiser
10/17/2007
 The Center for International Studies held its first “Dum Spiro” fundraiser and silent auction, Thursday, Oct. 11, to raise both money and awareness for its Micro-Credit Fund Program.
According to Dr. Rogelio Garcia-Contreras, assistant professor, of international studies at the University of St. Thomas, the event reached and surpassed the group’s expectations.
“We called the event ‘Dum Spiro,’ which is Latin for ‘while I breathe’ and we could not have given the event a better name,” said Garcia-Contreras. “Everything that happened is not only about our students believing in the microcredit idea, but proof of their commitment.”
The Micro-Credit program offers microloans to small entrepreneurs in developing nations. The average microloan is $50. By offering small lines of credit, the program encourages students to help others overcome economic challenges.
The idea is that these loans will help the world’s working poor make significant strides towards economic independence. Student committee members are responsible for setting up the account, raising funds and managing the finances.
The group hopes to launch its first UST loan sometime in January. Due to the success of the inaugural fundraiser, Garcia-Contreras says the hope is to repeat the event again in the future.
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