Every fall, the David Eccles School of Business brings together donors and scholarship recipients to celebrate the tremendous impact of scholarships. This year, we were pleased to celebrate the $18 million in scholarship money awarded to more than 2,000 students at the Eccles School.
This year’s Scholarship Celebration also recognized two distinguished donors, Jack and Melanie Elizondo, and the Pugh Family Foundation.
The Elizondos are not only financial supporters of students at the Eccles School – they also serve as mentors in the First Ascent Program. Jack himself was a first-generation college student and understands first-hand the importance of mentorship in helping students not just get into college but stay in college and graduate successfully. But despite the great impact the Elizondos have had on dozens of students, Melanie said the students they work with have impacted them more.
“Knowing you’re really changing lives, it’s a really great feeling, and we’ll do it forever,” Melanie said.
For the Pugh family, scholarships are the perfect way to pay it forward. Their lives have been blessed, said Jim Pugh, and scholarships are one way the family can help give other people the opportunities they have enjoyed.
“Developing people is at the core of what we want to do, and being able to invest in individuals that haven’t had some of these opportunities, to be able to provide them with those opportunities, is really exciting,” said Tim Pugh. “It’s been really fun to see the impact that’s made on individuals and then to interact with them. I think that’s my favorite part.”
Dean Rachel Hayes said scholarships are integral to the success of the Eccles School and Eccles students. Many Eccles students wouldn’t be able to attend college without the support of scholarship donors. Not only would those students miss out on a college education, she said, but the Eccles School would miss out on their unique perspectives and experiences. Scholarships allow the Eccles School to expand its reach and impact to the students and communities that need it most.
“At the Eccles School, we strive to be a safe and welcoming place, with high-quality learning opportunities that help all our students reach their full potential,” Dean Hayes told the donors as the event concluded. “It’s a tall order and a big mission, but one that we are able to accomplish thanks to all of you.”