F&M Stories
Why Give? Six Inspiring Stories
One financial gift can change the academic trajectory for a Franklin & Marshall student and those who follow them. As begins, explore six recent stories that showcase the philanthropic spirit of Diplomats worldwide.
1. 鈥榃hy I Chose F&M鈥: Students and Young Alumni Look Back
Faculty mentorship. Small, discussion-based classes. Experiential learning. A diverse and inclusive community. These are just a few of the reasons prospective students choose F&M 鈥 and every gift helps get them here.
鈥淎s a first-generation, low-income woman of color, financial stability was one of the most important factors when making my college decision. F&M allowed me to get the education I deserve at a price that I can afford,鈥 said senior Munahil Sultana, Diplomatic Congress student body president.
2. Running Toward Success, On and Off the Gridiron: Mitch Wagner 鈥24
Senior Mitch Wagner says his time at F&M has been filled with too many good memories to count. A running back for the Diplomats, he helped lead this year鈥檚 team to a 7-3 overall record and third place in the Centennial Conference.
Financial aid 鈥渉as taken some stress away and allowed me to put more of my focus on the main reasons I鈥檓 here: school and football,鈥 Wagner said.
3. Mary Fouad 鈥24 Discovered Her Purpose While Studying Abroad
As the first in her family to navigate the American higher education system after emigrating from Egypt to New Jersey, financial aid assistance was crucial to senior Mary Fouad.
鈥淚 am an immigrant, and without the financial aid provided by F&M, I would not have been able to go to a prestigious school with a good reputation and connections,鈥 she said.
4. 鈥楾ransformational Experience鈥: Fellowship Connects Grad to Family Roots
Lisbeth Marquez-Delgado 鈥21 is one of 11 F&M young alumni awarded Fulbright fellowships in 2023. Now, she鈥檚 making the most of her Diplomat degree.
鈥淥ne reason I chose to attend F&M was because of the financial aid I was awarded. As a first-generation college graduate, this was a crucial step in my decision-making process, especially since attending F&M meant I had to move across the country,鈥 she said.
5. Mary Adams 鈥24 Embraces All F&M Has to Offer
Thanks to the support that she鈥檚 received from grants and scholarships, senior Mary Adams has embraced all that F&M has to offer 鈥 including classes, experiences and student activities that weren鈥檛 even on her radar when she first set foot on campus.
鈥淲ithout financial aid, I don鈥檛 know if I would have been able to attend college,鈥 Adams said.
6. F&M Honors Alumni, Volunteers for Philanthropy, Service and Professional Accomplishment
Alumni were celebrated for countless contributions made to F&M during True Blue Weekend. Recipients of these awards are inducted into the College鈥檚 Society of Distinguished Alumni and held in esteem for the time, talents and treasure they have shared with their alma mater.
Franklin & Marshall's fifth annual Day of Giving begins today. We're counting on your support to reach our goal of 1,787 alumni, students, families, faculty, professional staff and friends of the College. .
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