BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic University’s President’s Scholarship Challenge, an initiative launched by FAU President Mary Jane Saunders to recognize the importance of scholarship support to students at FAU, raised more than $100,000 during FAU’s inauguration week.
“I am absolutely committed to FAU and its students, and I want to assist in any way possible to help them succeed,” said Saunders. “I encourage others to join in helping students attend FAU and attain their scholarly goals.”
Along with leaders from the FAU Foundation Board of Directors, Saunders created the initiative to match new and increased gifts to the university designated for annual scholarship support. Saunders pledged $50,000 to launch this initiative, hoping to emphasize the critical role that scholarships play in whether or not students can attend the university. Contributions through an annual gift designated to student scholarships at FAU will be matched dollar for dollar through this program.
More than $45,000 in donations came from FAU Foundation Board members Bruce Allen, Barry Berg, Marleen Forkas, David Gury, Randy Justice, Pete LoBello and his wife Kerry, Chair Michael Kaufman, Pat McKay, Judith Teller Kaye, and Rhys Williams; Donadio & Associates Architects; the FAU National Alumni Association; Lay, Pitman & Associates; University Club; and University Club President Marlis Hadeed and her husband, Victor.
Proceeds from the “Waves of Blue” concert, which kicked-off FAU’s inaugural festivities, also benefited the President’s Scholarship Challenge Fund, raising more than $10,000 from ticket sales.
In addition, money raised in excess of the inauguration expenditures will go towards the President’s Scholarship Challenge.
For more information about the FAU President’s Scholarship Challenge or to make a contribution, visit www.fau.edu/inauguration/inaug_scholarship.php or http://fauf.fau.edu/challenge.