As a Transylvania student, Dr. April Sample Matiasek ’01 felt deep gratitude for the scholarships that made her degree possible. That feeling came through in her phone conversations with alumni, regularly inspiring them to give.
The former Phonathon caller went on to make the most of her education, becoming a medical doctor/diagnostic radiologist and rising through the Navy ranks. Now she’s giving back to help other Pioneers achieve their dreams.
Kara Little Covert ’90, vice president for advancement, recognized right away the impact she’d have. “The first time I met April was during student Phonathon caller training her first year at Transy. It was clear that her personality and love of Transy would be a great fit for that role, yet I could not have known how many alumni would give specifically because it was April who called them. The office received note after note stating how much she inspired their support of The Annual Fund through personal stories of how scholarships enabled her to attend college. It wasn’t rehearsed — it was simply her own story that she told with passion.”
Matiasek, who now lives in northern Virginia, noted the impact the school has had on her life. “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for Transy in some way, shape or form,” she said. Having served 13 years of active duty, she plans to retire soon from the Navy Reserve as a commander, and she owns a medical imaging company through which she practices teleradiology.
When Matiasek first came to Transylvania, she wasn’t sure about her career path. “Then once I did figure it out, there was tons of support to help me get to where I needed to go.”
The chemistry major credited the faculty, who cared deeply about her learning and made sure she lived up to her potential. Other factors that shaped her were the small, tight-knit community and strong science program.
Also, while modern life can often feel like you’re skimming along the surface, Matiasek said she found depth at Transylvania because of its dedication to the liberal arts. “I feel like people should be well-rounded in general.” Matiasek minored in biology and Spanish — and she took flute lessons and pottery. (While she loved Brown Science Center, she didn’t always hang out there.)
As for her involvement in the annual Phonathon, that just seemed natural. “I can talk to anybody,” she said. Matiasek also wanted to give back for the support she’d received. “I know that I would not have been able to go to Transy if it hadn’t been for scholarships.”
This past fall, she enjoyed chatting with a current student Phonathon caller and once again provided the same kind of financial support that benefited her as she worked hard to cover college expenses. “It’s my way of helping out the next 18-year-old who’s paying their own way.”
Covert is grateful for Matiasek’s longtime generosity and dedication. “I think of her each year when Phonathon begins,” she said.
“So many current Pioneers also could not attend our alma mater without our Annual Fund support — all of us help make that happen when we give back,” Covert added.