Note: This message was originally sent on May 8, 2019
As everyone is very well aware… we are now just a few days away from our 126th commencement ceremonies… 2,163 degrees will be conferred… among those receiving their degree will be Ashlyn Whelan, one of our Chair’s Scholars.
Being a Chair’s Scholar meant Ashlyn Whelan (’19) could follow her dreams all the way from San Diego, California, to GU. She loved the Jesuit mission and values, but as the youngest of three, her family’s financial realities were clear. Gonzaga’s community and whole-person approach to education were exactly what she wanted, yet just out of reach. As a Chair’s Scholar, Ashlyn received the aid she needed to complete her degree in marketing.
“I’m humbled each day when I think about those who have given of their time, talent, and resources,” she said. “No amount of words can fully capture how grateful I am.” Ashlyn believes that the skills and knowledge she is leaving Gonzaga with have equipped her to be an understanding global citizen who is ready to have an impact on an interconnected world. “Gonzaga gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, and I am beyond thankful,” she expressed.
The Chair’s Scholarship was established in 2015 by the past Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Fritz Wolff, and his wife Jeanie to provide assistance to students with financial need and to foster a forum for dialogue between the Board of Trustees Chair, the President, and the scholars. The scholarship creates a unique opportunity for the scholars to share their perspectives on the Gonzaga experience with leadership. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for the Board Chair to share more about their role and motivations for serving the University, about the Board of Trustees, and other members of University Leadership.
Within those 2,163 degrees, we will also honor Alvin J. “Fritz” Wolff, Jr., with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his commitment to building up GU, companies and communities….and doing just what the Chair’s Scholarship represents, creating ways in which we support our students with financial support, wisdom, mentorship and friendship.
These last few weeks, we have been able to extend gratitude to GU benefactors…whether they will be here in person to see a loved one walk across a GU stage, or celebrating from afar, they’ve played a role in helping propel the Class of 2019 to this moment. A huge congrats is extended to everyone on this thread and to your teams for creating the thousands of moments – over the last many years – that have prepared the Class of 2019 for what comes next. What a gift it is to get to do what we do…