Bailey Adams ’24 and Evan Turgeon ’24 share how their scholarships have impacted their lives at the annual Benefactor and Student Scholarship Dinner.
Throughout Stonehill's 75-year history, scholarships have played an important role in shaping the lives of students during their formative undergraduate years. This past March, benefactors and student scholarship recipients came together to meet, connect and discuss the impact of scholarship support at the annual Benefactor and Student Scholarship Dinner in the Shields Science Center.
"This year’s dinner is especially significant as Stonehill celebrates 75 years educating hearts and minds," said President John Denning, C.S.C. "As we honor the generations that came before us and share our gratitude for all they have done, scholarships and the benefactors behind them are instrumental to the longevity and success of the College."
A highlight of the evening, two student speakers—Bailey Adams ’24 and Evan Turgeon ’24—shared their personal experience with how scholarships helped make their Stonehill education possible.
"Growing up, my family did not experience the luxuries that many of my friends’ families did," Bailey Adams ’24 said. "Knowing this, when it was my turn to apply for college, I began seeking out as many scholarships as I could find, because I knew it would be the only way I would be able to afford to attend college."
After thanking the benefactors in the room, Adams spoke of how she hopes to one day pay it forward. "Stonehill has added so many things and people to my life: numerous faculty and staff mentors, the most incredible friends, experiences of a lifetime, and a place to be unapologetically myself. I am very much looking forward to the day when I can begin to give back to Stonehill’s scholarship funds, to assist in providing scholarships for other students like me."
Evan Turgeon ’24 spoke of how his scholarship has allowed him to take advantage of all that Stonehill has to offer. "I have invested four years of my life into Stonehill. I have been able to fully immerse myself in all aspects of student life including academics and extracurricular activities," he said. "I’ve been an active leader on campus in many areas, and I take pride in knowing that I didn't just go to class to receive a degree, but participated in numerous clubs, organizations and the extras that Stonehill has to offer."
Envisioning the road ahead, Turgeon concluded, "I look forward to sitting out in the audience one day, listening to a student like me, ensuring that the legacy, traditions, and the values of Stonehill College and its community live on."
