By Suzy Alstrin
Like the founders of Reinhardt University who wanted others to have an education, dedicated supporters make scholarships possible for students to pursue a promising future. Many of those donors and their scholarship recipients excitedly met one another at a special luncheon filled with gratitude and celebration on January 28th.
First-generation student Carmen Perez (RU-2028) received a scholarship from the Mary Hughes Barrows Memorial Endowment for Undergraduate Scholarships. She expressed gratitude to the family who played a pivotal role in making her educational journey possible, “It’s special for me. The scholarship helped me to have a future, helped me grow, and helped my mindset.” Perez enjoyed the event alongside John F. Barrows and his son, Reinhardt Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. John Barrows. John F. Barrows explained the special meaning behind their endowment, “The scholarship we provide is for my deceased wife, in her honor. We do that for a graduate of Cherokee High School where she attended.”
The Moore Family Foundation Annual Scholarship was made possible via a generous gift with exceptional significance. “It is special to me because my dad went to school here. When he passed away, we wanted to continue his love for education and Reinhardt,” explained Donna Moore. “We came all the way from Arizona for this luncheon to meet the student recipient. It’s been really cool – he’s a great kid. This is great to have the opportunity to interact.” Recipient Quintavius Carter (RU-2028) reciprocated saying, “It means a lot to me to meet the people who made my education possible. When I was leaving high school, I didn’t think I had enough money to go to college until my band director reached out to Reinhardt to ask for assistance. I found so many people in my corner to give me so much to have my education here. It is very much appreciated.”
The scholarship luncheon program highlighted over 150 annual and endowed scholarships that have helped further the education of Reinhardt students over many decades. Speakers included a moving tribute from Daniela Rangel (RU-2026) on the impact of her scholarships and caring mentors on her opportunities, accomplishments, and goals. She expressed, “Thanks to the scholarship, I’ve been able to focus on my education and community work without the stress of balancing a job during the school year. On behalf of all the students across campus, I want to express how excited we are to be part of Reinhardt’s community. It’s significant to express our gratitude for your generosity and recognize its significant impact on our education — it’s opening doors to a brighter future.”
Those interested in establishing a scholarship or contributing to an existing scholarship please contact Ms. Johnson Bowles, Vice President for Advancement and Communications, johnson.bowles@reinhardt.edu, 770-720-5545.
