Olatunde Oshunlaja’s parents had a wish for their son: for him to have the opportunity for a better life. From their home in Nigeria, they sent him to the best schools they could in Africa and in England, so that he could earn an international baccalaureate diploma and go to college.

Oshunlaja learned about the University of Rochester as a high school senior. He was drawn to the University’s academic rigor and extracurricular programs. Soon after, Oshunlaja made his way to Rochester—by himself. The club soccer team gave him a network of friends quickly, and he thrived within the flexible Rochester Curriculum, which led him to discover a passion for data analytics.

Although Oshunlaja received some support during his first two years, the financial burden of college was heavy. That’s when Lance Drummond ’85S (MBA) and his wife, Hope, stepped in. They had recently established the Ethel V. Drummond Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship in Business Administration, and Oshunlaja became their first awardee.

Drummond, who is from Jamaica, set up the scholarship in honor of his mother. His parents—like Oshunlaja’s—wanted him to have a better life. When Drummond and his sister were young, their family came to the U.S., where his mother became a nurse’s aide and his father a security guard.

“Often, my mother would tell me that the one thing no one can ever take away from you is your education—it’s what can equalize your opportunities, shape your life, and create economic independence,” says Drummond, who was a first-generation college student and a college scholarship recipient.

“I see a lot of myself in Olatunde,” Drummond adds. “I am proud of him—he has a quiet confidence that is already starting to reap benefits.” After graduation, Oshunlaja took an internship at Freddie Mac in Arlington, Virginia. After eight weeks, the company hired him as a data analyst in its auditing department—Oshunlaja’s dream job. He recently moved to a new apartment and purchased a new car. He is living the American dream.

“Getting this scholarship filled me and my family with a great sense of joy and relief,” says Oshunlaja. “Mr. Drummond has done so much for me, too, beyond the scholarship support. He gives me advice, has gotten to know my family, and includes me in his life. For instance, last year, he and Mrs. Drummond invited me to their 40th wedding anniversary celebration. Mr. Drummond has become my amazing mentor. Someday, I hope to help others the way he has helped me.”