Funmi Jegede Scholarship
One winter day, as my mom, dad, sister and I were walking out of my sister’s dorm at Columbia in New York City, my mother noticed a homeless man sleeping on the street on top of a steam grate. We all saw him and were about to walk past when my mother stopped us and gave me 10 dollars to give to him. Initially I hesitated and said, “he’s sleeping I don’t want to wake him up”, but she countered, “Well then put it in his pocket.” (If you are familiar with any Nigerian parent, you know there is no talking back, let alone, questioning an elder. I was bold to even question her the first time. There was no way I was gong to question her again). So I walked over and did just that.
I mention this story because it has had such a lasting impact on me and demonstrates how she felt about helping others. She couldn’t walk past something she thought was wrong, sad, unfair, etc… Even most who we would consider generous would still walk past that guy, because his sleeping was a convenient excuse not to give him some change. I consider myself generous but even at that time, I still tried to keep going past him. Obviously that day changed the way I look at things of that nature. This memory exemplifies the qualities of my mom who passed away in the spring of 2012.
It’s just how my mother, Funmi Jegede, was wired. She donated money and time, here and abroad, to help those in need as often as she could. Additionally she was a mentor in both an official capacity and informally to many students and youth. As a huge proponent of education, she also sponsored many children to help them gain an education and our family would like to continue that tradition. Given her dedication to the cause of education for all children, it is only fitting to have a scholarship in her name. The “Funmi Jegede Scholarship” will be awarded to a deserving student who has shown potential and the willingness to learn at the next level, specifically in college; and also has demonstrated the ability to serve others. This is something I know she would appreciate as helping people was one of her many passions.
– Deji Jegede
Demas Family Scholarship
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Catherine Anne Page Scholarship
Our mother, Catherine Anne Page, was an amazing role model. Entrepreneur, church deacon, community servant, Girl Scout troop leader. She wore many hats, making friends wherever she went with her easy going, inclusive personality. Yet, her life could have turned out very differently. Growing up, she endured not only the daily strains of poverty, but also the harshness of parental alcoholism. She did not have much, but a kind and loving aunt provided her with a catholic education through high school. Her strong faith endured and guided her throughout her life. She grew into a resilient, resourceful, kind, brave, and strong woman, wife, and mother.
Our mother was married to our wonderful father, Arnold, for almost fifty years. My sister and I were blessed with opportunities and experiences our mother could not have dreamt of as a child. From the time we were very young, she included us in community service, an important part of her life. While she did not have the opportunity to attend college, she deeply believed in the value of higher education, and she and our father made sure my sister and I had that opportunity. Our mother left a legacy of love and our family is honored and humbled for the opportunity to offer this scholarship in her name.
With gratitude,
Arnold Page, Cynthia Fallon, Donna Page
Salazar Scholarship
Empowering Young, Minority Women
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Baiada Family Scholarship
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Ballard Spahr Scholarship
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General Scholarship
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