Sarah Barlow Wright, W’52, and scholarship recipient Sarah Grace Clarke, ’25.

Philanthropy

Her scholarship was created by her grandmother's class

When Sarah Grace Clarke, ’25, decided to attend the University of Richmond, she knew she would be carrying on her family’s legacy — her father, grandmother, and great-grandmother are Spider alumni. But she didn’t know that she would receive financial support from an endowed scholarship funded by her grandmother’s graduating class.

The Westhampton College Class of 1952 Memorial Scholarship was established during the class’s 30th reunion to benefit a Westhampton College student.

Sarah Barlow Wright, W’52, is the class representative for the scholarship. She and her classmates hoped that it could be given to a descendant of the Class of 1952. Clarke, the granddaughter of Barbara Cawthorne Clarke, W’52, fit the bill and brought a meritorious academic record.

Clarke said receiving the scholarship reinforced her familial connection to UR. A biology major, she plans to pursue a nursing career. She is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and the women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, and she works part time in financial aid.

“I’m following in the footsteps of my family members but creating my own experience,” she said. “I am very appreciative of Mrs. Wright and the Class of 1952 because the support helps me and my family. It really shows how important the university is to alumni.”

 

Editor's Note: This is an abridged version of a story from UR's philanthropy site. Click here to read the full story.