The Diplomat
Franklin & Marshall’s weekly online newsletter
Barshinger Gift Creates Need-Based Scholarship Fund
Ann Boyd Barshinger W’43
A Franklin & Marshall education has become more affordable for some promising students of modest means, thanks to one of the College's most devoted supporters.
Ann Boyd Barshinger W'43 has made a $4 million gift to the College to establish the Ann Boyd Barshinger Scholarship Fund, which will provide need-based financial aid to between five and 10 students from central Pennsylvania who could not otherwise afford to attend F&M. The first recipients of the scholarship will matriculate as first-year students this fall and will graduate in May 2014.
"I like to be able to contribute to the present and the future of Franklin & Marshall," Mrs. Barshinger said. "It is a very enriching experience to know that, in giving to financial aid, I'm helping support the future of talented young students, who are our neighbors and friends, and also securing the future success of this fine institution."
The Barshinger Scholarship is part of Franklin & Marshall's long-term strategy to enable academically qualified students of modest means to study at the College. Recipients of the scholarship will be selected from among applicants accepted by the College, and will hold their scholarships for the duration of their four years if they demonstrate continued financial need.
"We are deeply honored that Ann has chosen Franklin & Marshall for an endowment that will transform for the better the lives of some of central Pennsylvania's best and brightest young people," said President John Fry. "Ann is a truly remarkable and far-sighted woman. Her generosity brings us closer to making Franklin & Marshall affordable for the most promising individuals no matter their family's economic circumstances."
Mrs. Barshinger has been Franklin & Marshall's most generous benefactor. Her generosity includes $11.5 million in gifts to support planning and construction of the Ann & Richard Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building, and with her late husband, the lead gift to create the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. She also supported the creation of an ecumenical College chaplain position, a vital spiritual resource for Franklin & Marshall students.
Mrs. Barshinger will receive an honorary degree at Franklin & Marshall's Commencement ceremony on May 15.
For more on the establishment of the Ann Boyd Barshinger Scholarship Fund, see a story in the March 14 Sunday News.
