Scholarship Support: Crucial for over 90 Percent of Students
Below are some excerpts from the handwritten letters student scholarship recipients have written to thank their scholarship donors. “…This is the education I always dreamed of getting, this is the place where I belong, and I want you to know how much I appreciate your support. Most sincerely, Hannah Jackson ’09 ”
“…Your assistance has been crucial throughout my academic career at Willamette University. I have fallen in love with this academic environment, and I believe I could not learn and grow as much anywhere else. Thank you for this enormous opportunity to become the best person my true potential allows and to have the time of my life.
Sincerely, Jan Taborsky ’10
“…Without your generous contribution to my education, I would not have been able to come to Willamette. Thank you very much. Your gift has changed and shaped my life. Thank you, Bernard Merkel ’09”
“The day I opened my financial aid letter was the happiest day of my life. I was in my best friend’s car, his girlfriend was driving, and we pulled up to the mailbox. The mailbox actually belonged to my cross-country coach; I had been moving between houses in the community since I was 16, wondering how I was going to be able to accomplish something greater than anyone else in my family ever had and go to college. I’m not an emotional person, but I cried when I opened the envelope, and I’m trying to hold back tears right now. I recall every detail of that amazing spring afternoon. My relief was indescribable – I knew that I would be attending Willamette, but I had no idea what I was in for. Over the past three years I have become much more than who I was before coming to Willamette… All of these experiences, and undoubtedly many more to come in the next year, would not have been possible without your family’s generosity. I cannot thank you enough with my words, but hope that with the skills and experiences I’ve gained from Willamette, I hope I can pay it forward through service to the world at large. Thank you again, Jonnie Dunne ’10”
“… Once again, thank you so much for helping me afford my education. It is a gift I can only repay using my educational experiences in ways that will make the world a better place for both of us to live in. Thank you. Sincerely, Dana Kleinhesselink ’10”
“… I had planned to attend college once I graduated and worked so hard in high school to prepare for my future, but had to put my life on hold. The summer after I graduated, my parents separated and, shortly after, my mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. This was the most difficult news to receive as my mother had always been the comfort and stability in my life. I stayed home from school and cared for my mom and little sister until my mother passed away in December of 2004. For a while I needed to put my family before myself. Now I am back in school and wouldn’t be in the position I am today without your generous support. Attending Willamette has been a dream come true for me. I feel the school is a perfect fit. I feel so privileged to have received this scholarship. My mom was never able to finish her college education and I know she would be so proud of me for pursing my dream of completing my education… Once again, I would like to thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to pursue my dream. I wouldn’t be able to attend such an outstanding school without your generous financial assistance. Sincerely, Kirsten Heydel ’10”