Class of 2008: Student scholarships

Last spring, when Loyolans Stefania Samayoa (BBA '08) and Tony Borchardt (BS '08) were graduating, they decided to partner with 123 other seniors to present a $5,195 check to the University as part of the senior class gift.

"Many of us were fortunate to have received scholarships while at Loyola, which usually came from alumni support," says Samayoa, who worked as a phonathon student caller during her time at Loyola. "With the senior class gift, we are given an opportunity to support our fellow classmates." Samayoa, who recently accepted a job as phonathon assistant director at Ithaca College, adds, "The senior gift is also is a great way for recent graduates to begin a tradition of supporting their alma mater."

Tony Borchardt, who recently became assistant director of annual giving at Loyola, concurs, and adds, "Over years that I worked for the phonathon, I saw how important it was to support Loyola in any way possible. For deserving students, scholarship assistance can make all difference in whether they can finish school and graduate, or have to drop out. It's that important and that needed."

The gift of scholarship will go to a student who couldn't otherwise attend Loyola. The scholarship funds, which have been accumulating over several years, will total $15,000 when it is awarded  Borchardt, who was also a Phonathon student caller, is passionate about supporting Loyola's students.