May 2007

ALUMNI NEWS

Scholarship luncheon attendees photo by Jeff Watts

The tenth annual Celebration of Scholarships drew its highest attendance ever when more than 250 AU donors, students, and staff gathered on Wednesday, April 25, in the Mary Graydon Center. The luncheon helped celebrate the special connection between scholarship winners and the generous donors who fund the university’s more than forty-five annual scholarships, worth approximately $2.8 million.

As alumni, donors, and students arrived, they were greeted by AU staff, who have come to appreciate and look forward to the annual event. The outstanding student scholarship recipients were able to get to know a little bit about the donors and scholarship benefactors who have helped sponsor their educations. The same rings true for the donors, who were able to see their personal contributions in action as they dined and talked with the scholarship recipients.

Representing AU’s more than 380 scholarship winners, Gerardo Rodriguez, KSB ’07, and Josiah Lambert, CAS-KSB ’08, showcased their talents for luncheon attendees. Rodriguez is a recipient of the Al-Khalifa Family Scholarship, president of the Kogod Undergraduate Business Association (UBA), and as a member of the men’s rowing team, has already performed intern and analyst duties for the likes of Goldman, Sachs in New York City and Travelex Holdings based in Washington, D.C.

Gerardo Rodriguez, '07 photo by Jeff Watts

“I promised myself that I would take advantage of every opportunity that was presented to me during these four years,” said Rodriguez, about the opportunities that have been presented to him as a result of donors’ generosity. Laughs then filled the room when Rodriguez wrapped up his speech, saying, “And your gifts, which are tax deductible, have made these opportunities possible.”

Lambert was equally impressive as he smoothly sailed through a performance of Allemande from Violin Sonata no. 2 in D Minor, by J.S. Bach. The double major from Salt Lake City is a recipient of the Lilyan Evans Music Scholarship. In addition to his musical talents, Lambert has gained experience as an intern with XM Satellite Radio, based in Washington, D.C.

“It’s very impressive to see the caliber of students here today, simply amazing,” said Thomas Hardy, friend of AU and trustee of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Scholarship.

Carmen Delgado Votaw, SIS/BA ’83, agreed with Hardy: “Seeing all the young people who have benefited from these scholarships is an energizer for all of us. It helps us to know the important roles that they will undoubtedly play in our country’s future, including the improvement of our international relationships.” 

Both Vice President of Campus Life, Gail Hanson, and Interim President Neil Kerwin, SPA/BA ’71, provided welcoming words and focused on the history and uniqueness of the event - allowing donors to witness the talent and achievements of those who have benefited from their gifts.

A tour of the university’s grounds (which are designated as a national arboretum) immediately followed the luncheon for those interested in spending some extra time on campus.

- David Ferraris

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