COLLEGEVILLE, Pa., Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ursinus
College has received the largest single private gift in its
150-year history, a gift that will fill the financial gaps
confronting many students from low- and middle-income families,
even those already receiving significant scholarship support for
tuition.
Philanthropists Joan and Will
Abele '61, through their Abele Family Foundation, donated
$11 million to support the long-term
sustainability of the Abele Scholars Program, which provides
students with $53,000 in funding
intended to address the costs of a college education beyond
tuition, room and board, and assist with student debt upon
graduation.
Abele Scholars receive $40,000
over four years. In addition, each scholar receives $2,000 for "startup" costs such as the purchase
of a laptop or required books; $3,000
for academically enriching pursuits such as internships, summer
courses, or academic conferences; and $8,000 in loan forgiveness. Too often, additional
expenses such as these keep a full college experience out of reach
for some students and lessen their ability to take advantage of
opportunities that will help them advance after graduation.
Established in 2018, the "stackable" scholarship and curriculum
enrichment program is designed to be awarded on top of other
financial aid and will support approximately 18 students every year
from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland at Ursinus
College.
"Ursinus's Abele Scholars Program
has provided standout students with the resources required to reach
their fullest potential and become responsible, contributing
citizens, all while strengthening Ursinus's commitment to
access and affordability," Ursinus
College President Brock
Blomberg said. "This generous gift from the Abeles and the
Abele Family Foundation ensures that we will be able to continue to
provide this critical support for the next decade and beyond."
In addition to financial need, the scholars must demonstrate
academic potential and a record of leadership and civic
engagement.
As an alumnus and member of the Ursinus
College Board of Trustees, Will
Abele and his wife, Joan, have supported Ursinus philanthropically for 50 years.
"For Joan and me, giving back to the college is critically
important. This is about more than giving students an advantage.
It's about giving them opportunity," Abele said.
For more information:
https://www.ursinus.edu/offices/student-financial-services/grants-scholarships-loans/abele-scholars/
About Ursinus College
(www.ursinus.edu )
One of the nation's "Colleges that Change
Lives," Ursinus College is a highly
selective, residential college with 1,500 students that is widely
recognized for its Common Intellectual Experience and its Quest:
Open Questions Open Minds inquiry-based core curriculum. The
tree-lined, 170-acre campus is located 25 miles northwest of
Philadelphia in Collegeville, Pa.
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SOURCE Ursinus College