Thursday, February 21, 2008

In honor of her upcoming 50th reunion, Noni Stearns ’58 was inspired to make a gift to the FSL Scholars Program, a new initiative that offers a personal and direct way to support current students. “Sarah Lawrence offers such a unique educational experience,” Stearns says. “As alums, we really need to do what we can to make sure that tradition continues and is accessible to deserving students.”

With a minimum gift of $5,000, a donor to the program is connected with a student receiving financial aid and is provided a “snapshot” profile of that student. Donors also have the opportunity to meet FSL scholarship students at a special reception on campus.

The second initiative, the Ruth Wilmot Anderson ’29 Society (RWAS), recognizes FSL donors who have made consecutive gifts for five years or more. The society is named for the College’s first graduate who established the Fund for Sarah Lawrence in 1930 with a contribution of $25 — and subsequently gave every year until her death in 1992. Likeminded RWAS members have the chance to meet one another at receptions in their honor.

Dr. Joan Golan ’70 has been following in Ruth’s footsteps. Inspired by her studies with Joe Papaleo, Charlotte Doyle, and Joyce Riegelhaupt, Golan has made giving to the College an annual priority since 1970. “Long after graduation, there continue to be opportunities to learn and grow,” says Golan, whose daughter Kit is currently enrolled at the College. “Sarah Lawrence is true to its founding principles.”