Reinhardt’s dedicated supporters make scholarships possible, empowering students to pursue a college education and build promising futures. On February 11, 2026, the Annual and Endowed Scholarship Impact Luncheon brought many of those donors together with their scholarship recipients to connect, reflect, and celebrate the life-changing power of philanthropy.
Throughout the event, students shared how scholarships are helping them achieve their academic goals and pursue their passions. In turn, donors reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to education and opening doors to opportunity.
Emma Goodwin (RU-2027) delivered a moving tribute describing the profound impact her scholarship has had on her personal and academic growth. She expressed, “A scholarship is more than financial support. It’s a foundation for growth, confidence, and opportunity. Your generosity changes lives every single day. You’re not just supporting our education, you’re supporting our confidence, our relationships, our growth, and our futures. Your support of students like me gives us a chance to be fully present in our college experience – to participate, to lead, to discover our passions, and to become the people that we are meant to be. Your investment in us truly matters, and we feel its impact on everything we do.”
During a table conversation, Alicia De La Cruz (RU-2029) emotionally shared her gratitude and determination, “My scholarship is truly making a difference. I am from a single-mother household and the first in my family to go to college. I have a lot on my shoulders, but in a good way. I’m showing everyone that it’s possible to succeed.”
The reception also illuminated the personal stories behind some of the 150-plus scholarship endowments. Debbie Blount (RU-2023 & 2024) expressed the “why” behind the Benjamin B. and Deborah L. Blount Scholarship Endowment. “I did not go to college at the normal college age, and my husband didn’t get to finish, because it wasn’t an option financially for either of us. So, to realize you can help others get through and take that worry away means so much. It’s a gift to be able to help in that way.”
Carol Fletcher drew inspiration from her son, Reinhardt Instructor of Business Russ Fletcher, when establishing The Fletcher Family Scholarship Endowment. “The enthusiasm shown by my son for his students and the impact he seems to be making motivated me to initiate this scholarship. We hope that this scholarship continues a legacy of making a difference in students’ lives for many years to come.”
For Mary Anne Browne, scholarship support is rooted in family legacy. Her great-grandmother, Theora Westbrook Cobb, served as a Reinhardt librarian in the early 1900s. “She established a scholarship fund that was very meaningful to her. Her three children went to school here and remained very active with Reinhardt. I feel like it’s an important legacy and I want to continue supporting it,” she explained.
Reinhardt Trustee Dr. Beth Bowser (RU-1968), who has faithfully supported the University for 45 years, gifted handmade glass hearts as keepsakes to each attendee. She shared that she hopes they serve “as a reminder that Reinhardt truly has a big heart. Students, we are glad you are a part of the Reinhardt family – forever.”
These are just a few examples of the inspirational individuals who make Reinhardt extraordinary. Those interested in creating a scholarship and investing in students’ futures are encouraged to contact [email protected].
– By Suzy Alstrin
