Message from the Dean
Mr. Abraham Mitchell was honored by current and past Mitchell Scholars at a surprise
reception held on October 6 at the USA Faculty Club. Mr. Mitchell was expecting to
meet the freshman scholars and parents at a reception traditionally held in October;
that reception was postponed to allow all of the current and past scholars the opportunity
to express their gratitude and share with Mr. Mitchell what the scholarship has meant
to each of them.
The reception was orchestrated by Dr. Stefanie Weaver and Rachel O’Brien, past Mitchell Scholars, working with Angela Dunn and Aimee Meyers of the USA Development Office. Its impetus was a conversation between Mr. Mitchell and Dean Wood discussing the difference made by the Mitchell Scholarship. Subsequent discussions led to the reception
Dr. Joseph Busta, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, emceed the event. After testimonials by alumnus Stephanie Weaver and current scholars Audrey Hofer and Joseph Raebel, Mr. Mitchell was given the floor. “This is magnificent to have all of you here,” Mitchell said, urging the freshmen scholars to “take advantage of every opportunity and become the best version of yourself.”
The Mitchell Scholars program, launched in 1999, allows elite business students to develop to their full potential. Through faculty mentorship and a four-year $50,000 scholarship that includes a laptop computer, scholars pursue challenging programs while developing stewardship and civic responsibility. When completed, they step into the world as exceptional candidates for the work force or graduate school. To date, 53 Mitchell Scholars have graduated; currently, there are 27 Mitchell Scholars on campus.