Great Lives Initiative

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Earning a college degree is one of the most significant ways for people to invest in their future. Higher education demands a serious commitment of time and energy, as well as a financial commitment. In return, it offers students a chance at a great career and a great life.

For some students and their families, the financial commitment can be a serious impediment. Their college dreams may seem unattainable. 

Your support for any fund in the new Great Lives Initiative will help to make higher education accessible for promising students. Rather than focusing on how to make ends meet, they can focus on their studies. Instead of worrying about student debt, they can concentrate on achieving their dreams.

Chanel Ngo

Every success I have is because of the support I have received.

Chanel Ngo '23
Health Services Administration student
Robert & Eileen Stovash Endowed Scholarship

Samuel Bordo

This was a huge blessing, and I am so thankful that when I move on from RMU I will not have lingering debt.

Samuel Bordo '21
Junior software development engineer at Innovu
RMU Presidential Scholarship

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT

READY FOR SUCCESS FUND

Help promising students choose RMU.
Close financial aid gaps that might otherwise cause a student to choose a different college. Funds are earmarked for freshmen, new transfer students, and also support efforts such as the Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program aimed at attracting the most promising students.

Learn more about the Ready for Success Fund

STUDENT MOMENTUM FUND

Keep strong students from dropping out.
Help students in good standing who are facing personal challenges that could force them to withdraw. A committee of campus leaders will choose deserving recipients who otherwise might be unable to meet their financial obligations.

Learn more about the Student Momentum Fund

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS FUND

Recruit the best and brightest students.
Support scholarships that attract elite students to commit to RMU. Each year the university chooses 15 incoming freshmen or new transfer students to receive competitive full-tuition scholarships. Applicants have a 3.9 or higher GPA and submit essays about their future aspirations, along with examples of leadership and volunteering.

Learn more about the Presidential Scholars Fund

Jada Grandy-Mock

I remember going on college tours and thinking there’s no way that my parents can afford this, but I’ve got to go to school.

Jada Grandy-Mock '00 M'04
Chief community impact banking officer at Fifth Third Bank
Honors Scholarship

Rebekah Wilford

This scholarship not only allows me to enter the actuarial profession, but to show others like me that they can be a part of it too.

Rebekah Wilford '21
Actuarial assistant at New York Life
Highmark Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Daniel Pollack

I cannot thank the scholarship donors enough for allowing me to live my dream.

Daniel Pollack '20
Law school student at Duquesne
Louis Swartz and RMU Pre-Law Society Scholarship

Mary Pardue

As a single mother, there isn't much room for extra expenses. This scholarship took me over that hurdle and placed me at the finish line of my education.

Mary Pardue '19
Senior engineer at Fresenius Kabi USA
Teresa Scheetz Endowed Scholarship