On the second floor of the Luhrs Performing Arts Center, students and university staff mingled between tables at the “Spirit of Generosity” New Scholarship Recipient Reception on Sept. 17.
The Shippensburg University Foundation organizes several events throughout the year to honor students who receive scholarships and to thank those who donate.
SU President George “Jody” Harpster encouraged students to get involved with the campus and continue their success.
“I believe this is one of the best institutions in this part of the country,” Harpster said of SU.
John Clinton, CEO and president of the SU Foundation, reminded students of the generosity of their benefactors.
“They don’t even know you and they gave money to help you,” Clinton said.
Many of the students in attendance were freshmen recipients.
“It definitely takes my mind off the worry of having a bunch of debt when I graduate,” freshman Luke Hutchinson said. Hutchinson is an economics major and the recipient of two scholarships.
Being able to rely on scholarships often gives students greater peace of mind when looking toward the future. Senior Brielle Arch, a mathematics major and business minor, hopes to attend law school after graduating from SU.
In Clinton’s opinion, the best way for students to honor their benefactors is to perform the best they can on campus, both academically and socially.
The SU Foundation has raised approximately $63 million and contributed to 55 undergraduate student-faculty research opportunities, reaching 118 students, according to Clinton. To keep numbers like these growing, the SU Foundation encourages students to thank their benefactors in a personal way.
On Nov. 4 and 5, scholarship recipients will have the chance to write thank-you notes to those who have donated to the university. Patti Savoulidis, of the SU Foundation, will have a station in the Ceddia Union Building for students to stop by and write letters.
In the spring, the SU Foundation will host its annual scholarship and loan dinner, where recipients and benefactors sit side-by-side for an evening of recognition.
“Not only are we student-centered, we are a family,” Clinton said.
If Arch and Hutchinson get to meet their benefactors this spring, they both know what they would say to those people — thank you.
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