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Cover Story
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Changing Lives. Building Futures: The Vision
SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 One Extraordinary Day... Continued from Page 1.Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 Big Surprises
At that point, the women were informed that they would be accepting an award. What they didn’t know, until it was announced, was that each would receive a $10,000 scholarship. A wave of elation washed over their faces when Lemons made the announcement. Lenig began crying almost instantly. “When I heard the requirements the Jacksons were looking for, it felt like they were speaking directly to me,” Lenig said later. Davis laughed her way through the shock, and Shaffer held back tears with a bright smile and an intent gaze, fixed firmly on her parents sitting in the home stands at Nicholas A. Lopardo Stadium. A few minutes later, the women were introduced to Barry and Denise Horton ’68 Jackson. The gratitude the students showed the Jacksons was palpable, a mix of laughter, excitement and tears filling every inch of the space as they and their parents reflected on what had just occurred. “I’m still a little speechless,” Shaffer added. “It’s a lot of money and a huge help. My parents have been really working hard to help me through college, and I’m grateful for this because of them, because of everything they’ve done to help me.” Shaffer’s mother, Sherry, said, “She wants to go to grad school so badly. This will help her.” Lenig’s father, Glenn, said, “I’m so glad she has this opportunity. I didn’t have the opportunity in my life to do what she’s doing. I just love it.” After ending a call to her very excited mother back home in New Jersey, Davis said, “I still don’t know what to make of all of it, but it’s really exciting. It will definitely help out with student loans.” When asked what it felt like to be a representative of Susquehanna in the best sense, Shaffer said, “I’m not one for the spotlight. I don’t go for that so much, but I appreciate the honor because I really have been working hard while I’ve been here, and it’s nice to know the work is recognized.” Lenig agreed, saying, “It’s always nice to be recognized for the things you do – not to mention the fact that it will make my life that much easier after I graduate and have loans to pay back.” Although the three students’ contributions to Susquehanna have been outstanding, Jackson said, the scholarships reward the women “not so much for what they’ve done, but what we think they’ll do.” “Make the most of this opportunity,” he said to them. “You were chosen for your potential.” And if their future plans are any indication, Jackson’s prediction that “they’re going to do great things” is right on the money. Lenig, a graphic design major from Liverpool, Pa., will seek a position with a graphic design firm after graduating. Davis, a political science major from Sewell, N.J., intends to work in higher education. Shaffer, an English-secondary education major from New Castle, Pa., plans to teach middle-school English before serving as a missionary overseas and, as her mother notes, has graduate school in her sights.
Lemons outlined broader plans for Susquehanna’s future in remarks that launched the public phase of Changing Lives, Building Futures. (See related story.) Changing Lives, Building Futures is a set of initiatives aimed at further strengthening the student-centered, collaborative learning environment that is the hallmark of a Susquehanna education. Its fundraising goal is to secure $70 million in new gift commitments to advance key academic, endowment and building priorities. Concurrent goals aim to more actively engage alumni, parents and friends as opportunity builders and contributors to the high quality educational experience provided by Susquehanna University. Continued, click here. |
