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Lycoming College hosted a Scholarship Reception on April 23, 2022, at the Community Arts Center prior to the College’s Music Gala performance. The event provided scholarship recipients the chance to visit with scholarship donors and express appreciation for the opportunities their generosity has provided — fueling a new generation of Warriors to think deeply and act boldly.
In the past 10 years, Lycoming College has more than doubled the amount of endowed scholarship funds available to students every year — from roughly $20 million in 2012 to more than $53 million in 2022. Nearly $800,000 was added to endowed scholarships during the 2021 fiscal year alone.
Robb Dietrich, assistance vice president for major and planned gifts, explains that donor support is what aids the College in its mission of providing a first-rate education to high-achieving students from all backgrounds. “Scholarships provide essential support for the College, making it possible for every talented student to have the opportunity to access a liberal arts and sciences education — allowing them to learn and grown, and ultimately lead fulfilling lives and serve their communities with purpose,” said Dietrich. “I feel privileged to guide and steward our donors, whose gifts make a significant impact on the lives of our students, and the Scholarship Reception is one small way for us to express our gratitude and celebrate together.”
Chip Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98, executive vice president of Lycoming, greeted guests at the reception. “To all of our students with us today – you represent extraordinary promise and capacity, and I hope you are strengthened and encouraged by those around you today whose support and investments provide the fuel to power your academic and career engines,” said Edmonds.
Sohini Mukherjee ’22, a biology (cell and molecular) major, addressed guests during the reception. She shared it was her love for the liberal arts, biology, and writing/English that brought her to Lycoming from her home in India, but recent family hardships threatened her ability to remain in school. “I loved my precious education and was very upset at the prospect of abandoning my American dream, but the news of receiving scholarships brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t believe that I can actually continue my education and keep pursuing my passion for biology and research,” Mukherjee said. She plans to pursue her doctorate with the goal of being an active part of drug development and structural biology.
Jeovannee Castillo ’23, a biology (anatomy and physiology) and Spanish dual major, also addressed the crowd. Deported with his family to Mexico at age 11, Castillo worked for three years before affording a trip back to the United States, determined to attend high school and college. “Lycoming College offered me that opportunity, for which I am incredibly grateful,” he said. Castillo has excelled at Lycoming, all while being an active member of the campus community as an Admissions Office student assistant and tour guide, a cross country student-athlete, and a participant of the Canoe 90 Miler through the Outdoor Leadership & Education program. He plans to enter the healthcare field as a doctor in nurse practice following graduation.