On Friday, November 16, 2018, the Ninth Annual Scholarship and Donor Recognition Luncheon at the Universities at Shady Grove was held to honor scholarship donors and recipients. As a Kendall scholar, it was an honor being among the 300 scholarship recipients and donors that were recognized during the event. More than 50% of the incoming students at the Universities at Shady Grove are awarded a scholarship equaling more than 500 applicants.

Many private donors were present at the luncheon. They represented members from the Universities at Shady Grove Board of Advisors, businesses in the community,  organizations and foundations. Dr. Stewart Edelstein, the executive director of the Universities at Shady Grove, addressed the financial obstacles that students encounter when they are pursuing their education. He spoke about how the financial aid that local organizations give to the USG scholarship organization is valued so much more in the face of fierce competitiveness for financial assistance from the government. It is such an important contribution because it allows a great number of students to achieve their dream of finishing their bachelors degree and the opportunity to further pursue their educational career. Dr Stewart Edelstein ended his speech by stating, “we cannot thank our donors enough for their generosity and belief in the amazing students we serve at USG.”

Every year, student speakers are chosen to discuss how the scholarships have impacted their lives. The financial support that the Universities at Shady Grove awards their brilliant students allow them to have opportunities they would not have otherwise. Many students work very hard only to be stopped in their road to success by the fact that they cannot afford college. The Ninth Annual Scholarship and Donor Recognition Luncheon is such a valuable event to be a part of as a scholarship recipient. It reveals the generosity and hope for the future that local organizations give to the students at the Universities at Shady Grove.