Craig Melvin ’01 enjoyed his years at Wofford College. He proudly talks about the fun times he had socially, lifelong friends that he made on campus and how he began pursuing a career in journalism at Wofford.
But there’s one regret.
“I don’t have a lot of regrets, but I do regret that I didn’t travel abroad, but back then, costs were a concern for me and my family,” says Melvin, now a co-host of NBC’s “Today” show and a news anchor for NBC News and MSNBC. “There was also a fear of missing out on campus.”
Melvin and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, a sports journalist, contributed to the college’s “For Wofford” campaign by establishing the Lindsay and Craig Melvin Fund to support experiential learning. It’s one of 189 new endowed funds stemming from the comprehensive campaign.
Melvin, a member of the college’s Board of Trustees, has heard stories of talented students from across the United States fighting hard for internships before turning opportunities down because they couldn’t afford the travel, lodging or food. He and Czarniak want their fund to be available for students who need financial support, whether studying abroad or pursuing an internship in the United States.
“Lindsay and I really wanted to create a fund that’s flexible,” says Melvin. “Student experiences shouldn’t be rigidly defined.”
Melvin credits his Wofford education and the opportunities the college provided with contributing to his success. He considers it an obligation to help others.
“You sort of ‘make it’ and can’t forget about the other people coming behind you,” Melvin says. “You have to pull others up with you.”
During the spring of 2021, Melvin participated in a Zoom conversation with Wofford students, faculty and staff. He talked about his time on campus, career and life during coronavirus. He also fielded questions from students. Fadzi Mushayamunda ’22, a humanities major from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sought advice as she prepared to interview for an internship with NBC.
Melvin made sure Mushayamunda received his e-mail address and within 12 hours she followed up with him. They soon talked, and he gave her an idea of what to expect during the interview.
“She was a sponge and took the advice to heart,” says Melvin.
Mushayamunda landed the internship, and Melvin, once again, showed his commitment to helping others and giving back to the college.
Melvin said he’s had conversations with some younger alumni who question why they must give back to the college because it’s well kept, or their gifts seem small in comparison to major gifts for buildings or special projects.
He urges people to think of giving differently.
“Lindsay and I didn’t look at it as a gift to the college,” Melvin says. “I viewed it as a gift for a kid who looks like me and has a similar background. That changes the aperture of how we view giving. We wanted to create opportunities for students.”