In just three months, the Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University (BAAAU) has exceeded its goal for its first annual Preview scholarship.

Preview, a two-credit course and weeklong international experience for first-year and transfer students, can be an exciting global opportunity. However, the $595 stipend and additional expenses can be an insurmountable obstacle between some students and the world.

With the help of generous donors from across the University community, including gifts from alumni, faculty, staff, and parents and leadership support from former Chair of the Board of Trustees Lois E. Haber ’71, ’16H and Michael Haber and former president Dr. Jerry Greiner (president, 2004-2011), BAAAU raised $10,000 to support 10 students for 2019 Preview. All 10 students will receive both a scholarship to cover the cost of Preview and a stipend for in-country expenses. Additionally, with the help of Act 101/Gateway to Success Program Director Dr. Angela McNeil, BAAAU has funded the passport costs of five scholarship recipients.  

“Reading the student statements reaffirmed to me how important this scholarship fund is,” said BAAAU President Aliyah Abraham ’18. “We will be able to provide students with transformative experiences during their time as Knights. This is what alumni associations should be [doing], reaching back and helping the next generation as they begin their collegiate journeys.”

In celebration of BAAAU’s success for its first Preview scholarship, the association has launched its #20for2020 campaign, with the goal to cover the expenses for 20 students on the 2020 Preview experience.

Donations are being accepted for the scholarship program, which can be contributed online or sent by mail to the Arcadia University Office of University Advancement, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038. Checks should be made payable to Arcadia University and the designation “Black Alumni Association Travel Program” should be noted on the memo line.