Scholarship support has long-lasting impact
William Longfield, BN'60, poses with the original recipients of his endowed scholarship at the Scholarship Luncheon in 2010.
Established nearly a decade ago by two Drake alumni, the Nancy and William Longfield Endowed Scholarship has provided financial support to 26 students so far.
For the Longfield Scholars, the impact of the funding they received—and the Drake educations their scholarships made possible—has been long-lasting.
Neko Graf, PH'17, received the Longfield Scholarship when he attended Drake. As a student, he studied health sciences and was a member of the football team. After he graduated, he accepted an offer to attend a prestigious management training program for Cintas Corporation in Minnesota. Once completed, the program will lead to numerous options for advancement within the company.
"The opportunities that have been available to me are due to my experience at Drake," says Graf. "All of my accomplishments would never have been possible without the generous Longfield Scholarship."
Carly Laurent, JO'17, was also a recipient of the Longfield Scholarship. Before she received the award, she believed she would have to transfer from Drake because of financial difficulties.
"It was such a blessing that I didn't know what I did to deserve, but man, am I thankful," she says.
Laurent graduated last year with a degree in public relations. She was offered a job as a digital media specialist at a local architectural firm a few weeks after graduation. She says her scholarship funds have allowed her to live comfortably while working a job she loves.
"I am confident I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of the Longfield Scholarship," she says. "I can never thank the Longfields enough."
If you would like to establish a scholarship that can support future Drake students, or are interested in supporting them in other ways, please reach out. You can contact John Amato at john.amato@drake.edu or 515-271-2849 to begin the conversation.