By Shelby Ashline
Manuel Gonzalez ’18 funded his entire college education out of pocket, with the help of financial aid. In his final semester, he learned he would need one more summer course to earn enough credits for his bachelor’s degree in business management. Without the funds to cover that expected cost, Gonzalez was at a loss.
That’s where the Last Mile Scholarship Fund came to the rescue. Established last year specifically to help students who are within six credits of graduating, Gonzalez became the first in his family to earn a college degree. “I wouldn’t be able to say that I am a graduate of Westfield State University without that scholarship,” he says. “The whole process was something I’d never take for granted, because that literally helped me when it counted most.”
The scholarship program began thanks to an initial $25,000 gift from a generous donor in June 2018, according to Lisa McMahon, director of Advancement and Stewardship at the University. In its first year, the fund benefitted 15 students.
Due to subsequent donations, the program has continued, McMahon says, assisting a number of additional students on their path to graduation. The Division of Institutional Advancement works with the
Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Retention and Engagement to determine the best candidates to receive
Last Mile Scholarships.
“So many people walk away from a course or two because they don’t have the funds,” she adds. “Many of our seniors struggle with finances or unforeseen obstacles. This fund comes at the critical ‘last mile’ to graduation, assuring a pathway for students to complete their degree.”
If you would like to support students like Gonzalez, please contact the Institutional Advancement office
at (413) 572-8645.
