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11th Annual Scholarship Dinner celebrates the gift of scholarship

Mosaic, the East Stroudsburg University Foundation’s 11th Annual Scholarship Dinner, connected scholarship recipients with donors on April 17, 2019, at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, Pa. More than 278 guests celebrated the 636 scholarship awards totaling more than $930,000 administered by the Foundation this year.

“Everyone here tonight is unique and special. Whether you’re a student working on your degree, or a donor who understands the value of a college education, you are a crucial piece to our complete and full mosaic,” said ESU Foundation Executive Director Rich Santoro.

Isaiah Reigel, Class of 2021, was the master of ceremonies. Angelica Ramirez, Class of 2019, Karisa Turner, Class of 2019, and Emily Schilling, Class of 2019, were the featured speakers. They shared their stories about the life-changing impact their donors have had on their college careers.

“Sometimes I think we lose sight of the dire need students have to pay their tuition,” said President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D. “In the coming year, we hope to increase the availability of scholarships, providing awareness to students that they can and should apply.”

Throughout the evening, students and donors were encouraged to complete a mosaic board with one or two words that say what giving or receiving a scholarship means to them. The event ended with a group photo of the students, some who held letters that spelled the words, thank you.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who supports ESU and the Foundation. In a competitive world where many are asking for your financial support, you chose us and that says a lot about the work we do and the students we serve,” added Santoro.

ESU Director of Bands Brian Hodge played the piano during the reception, and ESU’s musical theatre organization performed two numbers during dinner.

PSECU and The Haverford Trust Company’s continuous support of the scholarship dinner was a huge part of its success and is one of the biggest reasons ESU is able to celebrate the students and their donors every year in this way.

See pictures from the Scholarship Dinner on flickr.