Student Impact Profiles

Discover the Impact of Your Gift

Greg Sencak

“In a competitive society, it is hard to get support for any of one’s goals. I have dreamed of my goals for many years, and it will take many years to accomplish. With the Simmons scholarship, I am able to focus on my dreams. For this, I thank you.”

 

Greg Sencak is an undeclared major in the School of Arts and Sciences. He is expected to graduate in the spring of 2012.

Kyle Anthony

"This scholarhsip has impacted my life on various accounts. Besides the monetary gain, I am also proud to know that I am recognized for my achievements in my previous academic adventures.  Thank you for the generosity that you have for future generations."

Kyle Anthony has received the African American Alumni Association scholarship. Kyle is a freshman, intending to enter the School of Medicine.

Lea Lach

“Even though tuition and fees rise every year, I never have to worry about a shortage of money for a new year; thank you.”

 

 

 

Lea Lach is a political science major expected to graduate in the spring of 2011.

Taylor Marencik

“Thank you very, very much for my award. It was really unexpected and greatly appreciated. The Simmons scholarship helped so much with my tuition and made buying books and supplies so much easier. I cannot thank you enough.”

 

Taylor Marencik is an environmental studies major expected to graduate from the School of Arts and Sciences in the spring of 2012.

Sean O'Brien

“There is little I could say to fully express my gratitude for this scholarship. The scholarship, while giving me a sense of accomplishment and pride in myself, also helps ease the financial burden of paying for college. It is a great honor.”

 

Sean O’Brien is a chemical engineering major in the School of Engineering and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2012.

Jonathan Dumm

“I would like to thank Mr. Simmons for his generous support of my education here at the University of Pittsburgh. I am very grateful for this and plan to do my best in the future.

 

 

Jonathan Dumm is a mechanical engineering major in the School of Engineering and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2012.

Kayla Hunter

“The scholarship has honestly opened so many doors for me in my education. I have been able to focus completely on my studies without the financial worries that a lot of students have. I also think I’ve been more appreciative of my education because of this scholarship, and I think I’ve gotten a better education because of it.”

Kayla Hunter is an english writing major expected to graduate in the spring of 2011. After graduation Kayla hopes to receive a scholarship or fellowship for grad school. She’s also considering moving to New York City to pursue writing in the magazine industry.

Dan Jacobs

“The R.P. Simmons Scholarship has truly meant a lot to me. This money allows me to make my dreams of success to become more of a reality. This scholarship helps me every day in little ways, but will affect my future with a great education.”

 

Dan Jacobs is an industrial engineering major expected to graduate in the spring of 2011.

Drew Dudgeon

"The funds have provided a solid funding base for me to focus on my research. I can spend my time in the lab performing research instead of finding the next source of funding."

Drew Dudgeon is a recipient of the Hartwell Foundation Fellowship. The funds are for scientific research in an area that may be beneficial to children. His research is specific to drugs that inhibit a protein-protein interaction that is important in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Also, through his association with the Hartwell Foundation, Drew has had the opportunity to meet other Hartwell fellows and is currently collaborating with one, a union that would have unlikely formed if he had not received the fellowship. Drew aspires to become an independent scientist and would like to have his own research laboratory to investigate novel small molecules for activity as protein-protein interaction inhibitors.

Kristen Sawl

“Thank you very much for this scholarship. The money I’ve received helps my family and me to pay for education and allows me to take advantage of opportunities at Pitt. I will continue to work hard to earn everything I’ve been given.”

 

Kristen Sawl is a French and Italian major in the School of Arts and Sciences expected to graduate in the spring of 2011.