What informs your opinions on past work/education experiences?

Today in the mail, I received yet another request for money/donation to an alumni association. It promptly went into the recycling bin. On the other hand, I’ve always donated a bit to my college, feeling like it was my formative experience and deserved some “recognition”. For me, this is the breakdown, and the reasons behind each:
1. High school: negative opinion, no donation ever, mainly because I felt so ill-treated by the administration.
2. College: positive opinion, small donations, formative, set me on the right path.
3. Graduate: ambivalent, no donations, formative, but somehow not a strong enough sentiment despite 8 years.
4. Post-graduate: negative, no donations, feel taken advantage of in many ways.

What about others? Should I change my ways for personal/career purposes?