Dickinson Forward Celebration Spotlights Transformational Philanthropy

Dickinson Forward

Dickinson Forward

Telling Their Stories: Alumni, Faculty Share Far-Reaching Impact of Dickinson Scholarships

“A Dickinson liberal-arts education is more crucial than ever. And so I ask you to join me. Join me in finding your potential. Join me in realizing the change you can make. Join me in moving Dickinson forward, together.”

—President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11

As Dickinson kicked off a special Homecoming & Family Weekend that included the inauguration of President Jones last week, alumni, families, students, faculty and staff gathered Friday, Sept. 23, to celebrate the college's Dickinson Forward initiative and discover its far-reaching effects. The event featured a host of alumni and faculty speakers highlighting the power of the college's Campaign for Scholarships: Change a Life—Change the World as well as other aspects of Dickinson Forward, which Jones launched last year as a multifaceted effort to innovate with alumni and enhance Dickinson's position as a higher-education leader.

"On behalf of all of us who have been granted [scholarships], I want to say thank you," said Cody Nichols ’15, who spoke along with his sister, Amber '10, on impact of their scholarships on themselves, their families and their communities. "We owe it to you to make this world better. We owe it to Dickinson to make this world better. And when you see the way your gift cascades onto other individuals and communities, remember: You did this. You started this—and we are so grateful that you did."

Watch the Nichols' Full Speech

"You never know what can happen if someone deserving has the resources to follow their dreams. You never know what people can do or will do with an opportunity. And it all starts with opening your heart. You’re starting something that will impact more people than you could ever imagine."

—Amber Nichols '10

The cascading effect the Nichols described is a key aspect of the Campaign for Scholarships, which aims to raise sufficient funds to provide a scholarship to every student who needs one. Those gifts not only change the lives of the individuals who receive those scholarships, but they also go on to change the world through the work those individuals do after they graduate.

"Cody and I represent potential scholars who have the dreams, who have the drive, but it’s you who allows us the chance to reach them," said Amber. "You never know what can happen if someone deserving has the resources to follow their dreams. You never know what people can do or will do with an opportunity. And it all starts with opening your heart. You’re starting something that will impact more people than you could ever imagine."

Watch President Jones' Full Speech

In addition to the Nichols comments, the evening featured perspectives on philanthropy from Olivia Termini ’19; Bill Durden ’71, president emeritus and contributing scholar; Board of Trustees members Jennifer Ward Reynolds ’77, Doug Pauls ’80, Shea Player ’22, Joanne Adebayo ’21, and Brian Kamoie ’93; Sheela Jane Menon, assistant professor of English; Tom Arnold, professor of biology; David Webster '88, men's lacrosse head coach;  and, of course, President Jones, who urged alumni to join in the effort to move Dickinson forward.

"A Dickinson liberal-arts education is more crucial than ever," said Jones. "And so I ask you to join me. Join me in finding your potential. Join me in realizing the change you can make. Join me in moving Dickinson forward, together."

President Jones will bring this message on the road this fall through the Dickinson Forward Tour. With stops in New York City, D.C., Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta and California, the tour will give Dickinsonians who were unable to attend the on-campus celebration the chance to meet Jones and hear more about his vision for Dickinson's future. To find out when the tour is coming to your region, visit www.dickinson.edu/forwardtour.

Watch Assistant Professor of English Sheela Jane Menon's Full Speech

LEARN MORE 

Published September 29, 2022