Harcum College hosted the Power of Possibilities Scholarship Brunch on Friday, February 23, 2024, bringing together student scholars, donors, administrators, faculty, and staff in a celebration of philanthropy and student achievement.

The event, held in Klein Hall, welcomed 71 guests to campus, including college trustees and Partnership Site coordinators as well as family members of the scholarship recipients.

The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and connection, as students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and share their experiences with benefactors throughout the morning.

Opening the event, President Jon Jay DeTemple underscored the collective effort required to empower students to succeed, stating, “Everyone in this room has a part in helping our students.”

He emphasized the importance of finding ways to support one another, highlighting the invaluable contribution of scholarship donors.

President DeTemple commended Advancement Vice President Brooke Walker for her instrumental role in expanding the portfolio of named scholarships during her tenure, which now stands at 35.

For the 2023-24 academic year, 117 Harcum students were recipients of scholarship support, demonstrating the profound impact of philanthropy on student accomplishment .

Representatives of scholarship funds shared poignant reflections on their contributions to the Harcum community. Erin and Kristen Gold, representing the Devin M. Gold Scholarship Fund, paid tribute to their late sister Devin, whose passion for education and pursuit of a PTA degree inspired the establishment of the scholarship.

“This legacy means so much to our family,” Erin Gold remarked. “It’s a way to help those who also embody the same aspirations and goals as Devin,” added Kristen Gold.

The Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation, represented by the Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to addressing the state’s nursing gap through scholarship support.

Dr. Marshall-Blake emphasized the Foundation’s deepening relationship with Harcum College and its impact on nursing education, mentioning that 18 students received IBX nursing scholarships in the past seven years.

Two scholarship recipients, Jade Grier ’24 and Leigha Hudgins ’25, shared inspiring stories with attendees. Jade Grier, a Behavioral Health Studies major and recipient of the Ione A. Strauss Scholarship, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to focus on her studies and spend time with her family without the burden of additional work shifts.

Leigha Hudgins, a Dental Hygiene major and recipient of the Centennial Scholarship and Helen D. Groome Beatty Trust, shared her journey of resilience following a near-fatal car accident, highlighting the transformative impact of donor support on her educational journey.

The Power of Possibilities Scholarship Brunch has become an annual tradition at Harcum College, organized by the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Read more about the Power of Possibilities brunch on Harcum College’s website.

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