Posted November 2022 | Updated November 2023

Scholarships are key to building a diverse, flourishing campus for our students. Each Giving Tuesday members of the BU community from all over the world come together and support scholarship funds that give students access to an affordable BU, regardless of their socioeconomic background. These five student stories were made possible thanks to need-based scholarships and the generosity of alumni like you!

Printmaking & art history

Olivia Sayer Holdsworth (CFA’20) came to BU from a high school that lacked a good foundation for art and had limited outlets for creative students. But in a short amount of time, she made exponential growth in the College of Fine Arts as she developed her skills in printmaking. Now, she uses her artwork to express her personal experiences dealing with a chronic illness. Olivia’s scholarship allowed her to extend the tools of her craft and make a more profound impact on the world.

Researching stem cells for a brighter future

Ernest Dimbo (CAS’18) was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. After graduating high school at the age of 14, Ernest knew he wanted to study biology and genetics. Looking to the future, Ernest uses his research to harness the power of stem cells, but he is also thankful for the financial support he was given in the past. A scholarship to BU allowed him to study his passions and launch his career in genetic research.

Combining her passions for the environment and policy

Prior to coming to BU, Emma Torres (CAS’17) had no idea that her major even existed. But after finding her ground in environmental analysis and policy, Emma was able to combine her passion for policy and relations with a love for the environment. She also took advantage of living in Boston by landing an internship with A Better City, a nonprofit company that influences transportation and energy policy. Emma’s scholarship helped her pursue her professional development without the worry of financial obligations.

Forging a new path through crisis communication

Even though her guidance counselor thought that BU was a reach school, Amanda Alvarez (COM’16) knew that it was her top choice. After applying early decision, Amanda found her path in public relations at the College of Communication. Her media relations class inspired her to forge a path in crisis communication, and Amanda dreams of using her skills in public relations to help others. A scholarship made it possible for her to be the first in her family to go to college, and one day, she also hopes she can give back to other students in need.

Finding a future in finance & accounting

Hector Meneses (Questrom’19) knew that diversity was important to his college experience, and when he came to BU, he quickly found community in the Howard Thurman Center. He loved hearing the perspectives of other students and finding common ground. So his love for account managing and helping others lead him to become the VP of finance for the BU Student Government. Hector’s scholarship has allowed him to grow in his leadership and given him the opportunity to serve his fellow Terriers through finance.