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Allison Morningstar ’19 is the first to acknowledge the difference that the generosity of supporters of the University have made in her life.

The neuroscience major from York, Pennsylvania, thought she would have to turn to a private loan to pay for the second semester of her sophomore year when she found out she would receive the Carolyn E. and Jeffrey A. Stone MD Current Use Undergraduate Scholarship.

In a letter to the Stones, she highlighted what that has meant for her and her family: “Your investment in my educational dreams and aspirations came at a time when I was struggling to believe in myself, and it renewed my commitment to continue to do my best to be better and work harder every day, not just for myself but for all the people I one day hope to help in return.”

Morningstar was one of several students who shared their stories of success this spring at the annual Celebration of Scholarships—an event to highlight the impact such support has on the educational aspirations of students and to recognize alumni and friends who provide that support.

One of the key support areas of The Meliora Challenge, the comprehensive fundraising campaign that closed last June, scholarships have long been a priority for the University. Of the more than $1.2 billion raised during the campaign, more than $225 million was allocated for scholarships.

Samantha Veeder, associate dean of College enrollment and director of financial aid, says scholarships play an important role in the life of Rochester. In addition to helping ensure that qualified students can afford to attend, regardless of their financial circumstances, scholarships help attract high-performing students and help shape a diverse learning community. Rochester is one of a few schools that provides both merit-based aid and need-based aid.

“We’re providing affordability and access through a need-based program that meets full demonstrated need, but we’re also rewarding academic achievements with a strong merit-based program that is not based on financial eligibility,” Veeder says. “We couldn’t maintain that balance without the support of our donors.” Veeder says a strong scholarship program is critical to attracting and retaining the best students. “We see students all the time who, in meeting with their financial aid counselors, say they are grateful for the scholarship.”

Those students include young people like Abigail Clarkson-During, a member of the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Class of 2019. She received support from the Dr. Wheeler Rose, MD Fund, the Class of 1957 SMD Merit Scholarship, and the Class of 1961 SMD Scholarship.

“I have all of these opportunities thanks to one of the greatest and most humbling gifts,” she wrote. “I am well on my way of achieving my lifelong dream: being a first-generation American who will be the first physician in her family. Thank you. I promise I will not let you down.”

Meet a few of the students who shared their stories this spring.

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