Professor of Finance Karin Bonding was honored Sept. 30 as one of five recipients of the 2008-2009 Outstanding Faculty Alumni Education Award, presented by the University of Virginia’s Office of Engagement.
A tireless advocate of financial education and empowerment, Bonding last year spoke to alumni in Charlottesville, Santa Barbara, Boston, Chapel Hill, Orange County, and New York about making smart financial decisions and achieving financial goals. She also made several presentations to UVA faculty and staff about the retirement and savings options available to them through the University.
“Educating the public about personal finance is very important to me,” Bonding says. “At any time, people can become anxious about their finances—because of things like job loss, divorce, or looming retirement—and of course this past year has been especially difficult.”
Cynthia Fredrick, UVA’s Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Parent Engagement, says Bonding’s commitment to teaching was highly apparent to her audiences. “Professor Bonding received many accolades from alumni and parents, who praised her ability to present financial information in an accessible and fun way,” Fredrick says. “Alumni and parents also commented on her passion, grace, and dedication and her willingness to spend time after her presentations answering personal questions.”
Bonding says that helping people is what it’s all about. “If I can save even a few people from disaster, from making poor choices, then I’ve done my job,” she says.
Bonding’s desire to help, though, extends beyond matters financial. This spring she also received a “Fostering the Legacy” award from Madison House, the University’s student volunteer center, in recognition of her commitment to community service, philanthropy, and civic engagement.
A longtime Madison House board member, Bonding is known for her selfless efforts to further the mission of Madison House, and for inspiring other community members to do the same.
“I have known Karin for my entire career at Madison House, and feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her,” says Elizabeth Bass, Interim Executive Director at Madison House. “She has been one of the biggest champions of Madison House and has always supported the staff, the board, and the students.”
Bonding says she thinks the work performed by organizations such as Madison House is invaluable. “There is so much need, and so many ways to help,” she says. “I’m glad to have had the opportunity, through Madison House, to give something back to the Charlottesville community.”