College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 joins student recipients at the Fifth Annual Scholarship Brunch.

The Fifth Annual Scholarship Brunch, held on Sunday, April 23, in Slavin Center ’64 Hall, brought together donors and students as the College celebrated the 203 endowed scholarships that were utilized this academic year, resulting in 408 students receiving more than $1.3 million in financial aid.

“The brunch gives an opportunity for students to see the faces behind the dollars that support their education,” said Erin Cunningham ’02, assistant director of stewardship in the Office of Institutional Advancement. “Just as importantly, it allows us to thank our donors in a very visible, immediate, and deliberate way.” A total of 135 donors, students, faculty, staff, and friends of PC were in attendance.

After opening remarks by Robert Ferreira, Jr. ’83, acting vice president for institutional advancement, College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 addressed the audience. He said if there was only one thing he had the chance of accomplishing before his presidency was over, it would be to provide financial assistance to every student who wanted to attend PC.

Dr. Donna T. McCaffrey ’73G, ’83Ph.D., & ’87G, assistant professor of history, spoke on behalf of the Rev. Cornelius P. Forster, O.P. Scholarship Fund. The memorial fund was established in 1994 by family and friends of Father Forster to provide assistance to needy and deserving students majoring in history.The recipient of the Father Forster scholarship this year was history major Terence Sweeney `06.

It was Sweeney, a commentary staff writer for The Cowl , who had written about his transformative experience at the College in the April 6, 2006, issue of the student newspaper. Saying he was a “fervent” atheist when he arrived as a freshman, Sweeney shared how his PC education and association with “a community of people beyond compare” helped him return to the Catholic Church.

“I owe so much to Providence because through Providence I found grace,” wrote Sweeney. He added, “I love Providence College. I shall miss Providence College, and I shall never forget Providence College because Providence College has given me the hope that I may someday see ‘the love that moves the sun and other stars.’”

Following closing remarks by Ferreira, photos were taken of the attendees as a group and of donors (or their representatives) and scholarship recipients.