COLLEGE ALUMNI SOCIETY TAKES LEADERSHIP ROLE IN MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP
SAS talks with Flora Campos Cornfield, CW'66, G'68, Gr'74, president of the Board of Managers for the College Alumni Society.
Q. Why is financial aid so important?
A. At Penn we believe we have an obligation to offer an education to every student we admit regardless of their ability to pay. Currently, Penn does not have a large enough endowment to cover the cost of financial aid. Over the years our alumni have been very generous in responding to this need.
Q. What is the Millennium Scholarship?
A. Since many alumni cannot afford to establish a scholarship on their own, the College Alumni Society (CAS) wanted to create a pooled fund in which everyone could participate. The goal is $100,000, and each CAS board member has pledged $1,000 or more. We're now halfway there, and I'd like to go for more. I believe there are alumni out there for whom this would be a meaningful gift, especially with the match.
Q. Why is the College Alumni Society taking the lead?
A. Many of us depended on financial aid as students, and we understand the importance of giving. Also, we were inspired by Mitchell Blutt, C'78, M'82, WG'87, who has generously offered to match each $1,000 gift with $1,000 of his own money. Mitchell, who serves as a University trustee and an SAS overseer, has been extremely active in helping the College raise money for scholarships.
How does one make a gift?
A. You can use the envelope bound into this issue of Penn Arts & Sciences. You can also call 215-898-5262 and speak to Michaelene Murray or e-mail her at mimurray@sas.upenn.edu. Gifts at any level are accepted. However, to be matched, they must be for at least $1,000.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
A. My primary role here at Penn has always been to provide the best and most supportive advice that I could to all undergraduates. I'm also responsible for overseeing the academic end of Penn's Study Abroad program. I've taught French culture and civilization in the Romance language department, and I've directed the Penn in Compiegne program and done recruitment for admissions. As president of the College Alumni Society, I am currently ex-officio on the SAS Board of Overseers. I've been a Penn parent, and my husband went to Penn. I guess you could say I'm Penn through and through.