Scholarship Students Thank Donors
SDSU supporter Betsy Manchester was surprised with the establishment of a $10,000 scholarship in her name.
November was the perfect time for SDSU to recognize its generous scholarship donors, according to alumna and philanthropist Betsy Manchester.
Manchester, the honorary chair for SDSU’s second annual Scholarship Donor Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 17, pointed out that November is, after all, the month of gratitude.
Giving and receiving
The feeling was expressed by scholarship recipients as they met donors, and it was also expressed by the donors themselves, who often pointed out that it was the students that led them to make a difference.
Patti Roscoe and Jim Tiffany created two scholarships in SDSU’s musical theatre MFA program after seeing students’ dedication to raise money for the program on their own.
“If these kids are going out and raising money, and feel so passionately that the program should continue, then we should do something, too,” Roscoe said.
She makes a point of following up with the scholarship recipients and attending as many of their events as possible.
Providing a strong start
For some donors, it is important for students to have a strong start in college. Maj. Thomas Spencer helped create the Chula Vista Masonic Lodge #626 Scholarship, which provides money to high school seniors in Chula Vista who attend SDSU.
“We chose San Diego State because we want them to stay local,” said Spencer. “We meet most of them at a dinner in the late summer, and it’s a very positive experience. These are good kids.”
President Weber was one of several people who welcomed luncheon attendees, explaining the need for scholarships. Fifty-seven percent of SDSU students rely on some form of financial support, and in the past five years, the number of scholarship applicants has doubled.
To address this growing need, SDSU has been proactive in raising money for scholarships through campaigns such as Fuel Potential. The university has already raised more than $27 million for scholarships in its first comprehensive campaign.
'More than money'
Guests also had the chance to hear directly from scholarship recipients about their stories and what it means to receive crucial financial support. For student veteran Tess Banko, receiving a scholarship not only helped alleviate her financial burden, but it also provided a vote of confidence.
“Your gift is so much more than money,” Banko said. “It’s the strength of knowing that someone believes in me. And that strength I will carry with me no matter where my life takes me.”
Before the event ended, there was one final act of gratitude: an announcement of SDSU’s establishment of a $10,000 scholarship in Manchester’s name.
