Scholarship luncheon: A time of reflection and thanks
In the 2009-10 academic year, 40 percent of Bates students received scholarship grant aid totaling more than $21.5 million. At a recent luncheon, donors who have made the Bates experience possible for a new generation met some of the students who benefit from their generosity.
Some of the students’ remarks are captured in these videos of the 2010 Mount David Society and Endowed Scholarship Fund luncheon:
Anthony Phillips ’10 expresses appreciation and insights from an intellectual journey that began in his Philadelphia neighborhood and brought him to where he has met Bates people “who are just so grand and so gracious.”
Ahn Dinh ’10 of Vietnam tells philanthropists at the 2010 Mount David Scholarship Luncheon that their generosity will change the future of Vietnam. “I have a very strong belief that Vietnamese people coming to Bates will become great leaders of the country.”
Vitalie Djugostran ’11 of Moldova says he believes that “what goes around comes around,” and hopes that donors will be rewarded for their generosity. He also hopes that “the success of Bates students will serve as part of that reward” and challenged today’s scholarship recipients to help the next generation of students.
Kevin Thorson ’10 of Storrs, Conn., particularly appreciated meeting and speaking with alumni and upperclassmen who helped him discover his interest in economics and investment. “I want to express my gratitude to all the donors who made my four definitely unforgettable years possible.”
Emily Grady ’10 of Littleton, Mass., expresses relief and satisfaction in completing her senior thesis involving a community food assessment in Lewiston. “I’ve had a really outstanding experience at Bates, academically and extracurricularly … I want to thank you for your support in helping students like me come to this college.”
Bates President Elaine Tuttle Hansen thanks Mount David Society members and donors of more than 1,000 endowed scholarship funds, noting that “100 percent of undergraduates with demonstrated need have their need fully met because of you. We are able to meet this need and offer aid to attract top students because — and only because — we have your generous support.”
