Student Stories

Scholarship support offered Sarah Johnston the opportunity to pursue her dreams of attending an academically rigorous university and receiving a world-class education. “My scholarship is the reason I am at WashU,” she says. “Without it, I likely never would have found my passion for English literature or a desire to pursue it at a graduate level.”

As a creative writing and anthropology double major, Sarah leverages all the opportunities WashU has to offer. In summer 2025, she embarked on two study abroad programs. “First, I went to Ireland as a teacher’s assistant/trip chaperone for the first-year program, ‘The Literary Culture of Modern Ireland.’ Then, I went to South Africa to take part in a paleoanthropological cave excavation,” she says.

Sarah’s professors are a highlight of her WashU experience. “WashU has given me a vibrant intellectual community where I feel like my ideas are not just valued but are given the space to flourish under the guidance of incredibly supportive faculty,” she says. She specifically cites Dirk Killen, associate dean of advising, as an inspiration because his care and passion for Irish literature helped her love the material. “He is thoughtful, caring, and encouraging to his students. In many cases, he goes above and beyond to make students feel like they have a home at WashU.”

In her free time, Sarah reads, writes poetry, and attends concerts. And, although she was elected mayor in her hometown for a day back in 2018, Sarah’s ultimate goals lie not in politics, but academia: “I hope I can return the favor of my scholarship by becoming an English professor and inspiring another generation of students.”

Paul Bradford knows scholarship support has made a profound impact on him — in ways even he has yet to fully realize. “Every day I work harder knowing someone believed in me enough to invest in my education,” he says. “I’m determined to return that investment tenfold” – a statement he means literally, as Paul’s dream is to become a hedge fund manager.

With that dream in mind, it’s unsurprising that one of Paul’s major inspirations is Ken Griffin, the founder, CEO, co-CIO, and 80% owner of the multinational hedge fund, Citadel LLC, whom Paul describes as hard-working, incredibly sharp, and resourceful. “I admire how scrappy Ken was in his early career — starting Citadel from a dorm room — and how he leveraged deep market insight with an unwavering commitment to excellence. What stands out most is his unwillingness to settle for anything less than winning, no matter the obstacles.”

A sophomore majoring in both finance and economics and strategy, Paul’s first year at WashU was full of amazing opportunities. In summer 2025, he was accepted into the Roark Investment Fellowship, completed a micro-internship with Aberdeen Asset Management, and visited Bloomberg’s New York office through their first-year program — all experiences, he says, “gave me great exposure to the industry.”

Paul enjoys the people who make up the WashU community most of all. “They create such a collaborative and welcoming environment that truly feels like home,” he says. “The connections and opportunities available here are incredible, opening doors across academics, leadership, and beyond.”

Paul isn’t just interested in opening doors for himself, though. “I am deeply passionate about activism and driving meaningful change,” he says. “[I have] a keen fascination for understanding how the world operates and how each moving part — social, economic, and political — interconnects to shape the bigger picture.” He hopes to one day make a lasting difference through philanthropy and teaching financial literacy to those who need it.

Sophie Leong’s WashU journey can only be as stress-free and impactful as it is now because of the scholarship support which buoys it. “I am so grateful for my scholarship and the opportunity it provides me to study at a school like WashU,” she says. “I am able to focus on my studies and relationships instead of spending that time searching for work to subsidize my tuition.”

A senior majoring in both communication design and marketing, Sophie has gained experience applying her creative vision to marketing campaigns. In summer 2025, she was an art director intern for Paradowski Creative, a St. Louis-based marketing company, where she created assets for several brands, including Enterprise Mobility, Bayer, and Imo’s Pizza. “I was designing everything from billboards to social media posts to an interactive virtual reality set up,” she says.

As a member of the WashU community for nearly four years, Sophie says the people she has met here have made the biggest difference. “I have become friends with so many people from so many different backgrounds, who all have a myriad of passions and interests,” she says. “I have been able to expand my understanding of the world just by being at this school and participating in various events or discussions on campus.”

One such experience occurred off campus during her internship, where she met a WashU alumna and fellow communication design major Irina Pavlova, who has inspired her greatly. “Irina took what she learned at WashU and continued to expand those skills in all of the work that she does,” says Sophie. “She gave me a lot of advice on how to make the most of my degree program at WashU.”

As Sophie completes her degree program in 2026, she aims to continue making a difference in the world. “I hope to carry on this kindness in the future, using the skills I learned at WashU to positively impact those in need.”

Scholarships can do more for students than just assist with tuition, as Geoffrey Goffman’s story demonstrates. “Over summer 2025, my scholarship allowed me to work at Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Cambridge, Massachusetts — a completely new city to me — without worrying about having to use my rent money for school, allowing me to pursue my career goals without any added stress,” says Geoffrey. Commonwealth Fusion Systems is the leading firm bringing nuclear fusion energy to the electric grid in the United States. Geoffrey’s experience as an intern on the superconducting magnet production team gave him firsthand industry experience in designing radiation shielding and developing project processes.

Geoffrey is not the first engineer in the Goffman family tree. “My great-grandfather was an aeronautical engineer, and he was sent to Germany in the 1930s to learn about glider aerodynamics,” Geoffrey says. “Using the knowledge he gained, he went on to lead a program designing gliders for the United States Army during World War II.” Just as his great-grandfather did nearly 90 years ago, Geoffrey hopes to improve the world through his own study of mechanical engineering. “Advancing critical technologies has the potential to unlock significant prosperity for all. Through my passion for world-changing hardware, I plan to work on the most pressing issues for the planet as hard as I can — and I’ve already started.”

WashU provides an environment that fosters Geoffrey’s passions. “I really enjoy how collaborative our culture is and how supportive the professors are of genuine learning,” he says. Additionally, it has allowed him to continue working on what he loves outside the classroom, including reading classic sci-fi and restoring vintage analog electronics. “I recently restored a 1960s reel-to-reel tape player, which allowed me to listen to my great-grandfather’s recording of John Glenn’s 1962 launch and first orbit around the Earth.”

For Lulu Allie, scholarship support not only brought her to WashU’s campus but also offered her a community where she can thrive. Bolstered by the Danforth Scholars Program, one of WashU’s Signature Scholar Programs, she has been able to champion her passion for public health throughout her tenure at WashU. “Being a Danforth scholar has been instrumental in shaping the kind of person and leader I want to become,” says Lulu. “Surrounded by a community grounded in empathy and integrity, I feel supported personally and academically as I navigate challenges and pursue growth.”

As a junior majoring in biology with a minor in anthropology: global health and environment, Lulu hopes to become a physician, “[advancing] health equity through compassionate, accessible care for under-served communities.” She is inspired by Austin Wesevich, who earned his undergraduate degree, his master’s degree in public health, and his medical degree at WashU. “What inspires me about Dr. Wesevich is how he leverages his oncology expertise to tackle health disparities in his community. I most admire his empathy, humility, integrity, and genuine dedication to serving others.”

In fact, many of Lulu’s professors and peers have been a highlight for her. She says they have fostered a culture of support, curiosity, and genuine intellectual growth. “In many of my past classes, collaboration was not only encouraged but celebrated,” she says. “Knowing that the knowledge gained at the end of the course is far more important to my professors than my letter grade has made me feel valued as a learner and motivated me to engage deeply with the material and my classmates.”

When asked about her passions, it all comes back to public health for Lulu. “I love building deep connections with people and learning about their lives. I’m interested in how things like access, environment, and trust shape people’s care experiences. It drives me to serve, listen, and advocate with intent.”

Scholarship support empowers Rafael Alvarez to pursue his education as well as his dreams. “I am taking full advantage of this amazing opportunity and have already begun to mentor younger students with the knowledge and skills I have obtained.”

Rafael is a sophomore in the Olin School of Business, majoring in business administration. He’s also involved in the Olin Business Council, serves as a Partners in East St. Louis mentor, and plays on the WashU club badminton team.

“My favorite place to study on campus is the second floor of the library. It is always very quiet, and it has bean bags if you need to take a power nap! I enjoy relaxing in the Danforth University Center, since the second floor has a foosball table. I grew up playing foosball, so I am strangely good at it and am always looking for more competition.”

A memorable experience in summer 2024 took place when Rafael visited an accounting firm in Chicago. “While there, I got to visit Millennium Park, and one of my favorite bands was performing a free concert! It was a totally random coincidence that really capped off my trip and my summer.”

“A highlight of my 2023-24 academic year was getting to be a part of the first Latinx studies class taught by Elaine Peña. It was a phenomenal and engaging class where I learned a lot and connected with the professor. This year, I am most excited to connect with my career advisor, so I can prepare for my future as a business professional.”

After graduation, Rafael plans to earn a CPA license and work at an accounting firm. In the future, he also hopes to provide financial literacy courses to underrepresented communities.

Thanks to scholarship support, Cora Johnson is attending her “dream school” and pursuing a major she was passionate about during high school. “There are no words to describe how incredibly grateful I am for your contribution to my education. Thank you for believing in a farm girl from rural Missouri. I truly couldn’t be here without your help!”

Cora is a sophomore biomedical engineering major in the McKelvey School of Engineering. During her first year at WashU, she especially enjoyed the BME 140 course with Professor Patricia Widder.

“She is a fantastic mentor, and her class is very engaging. I was also able to meet many other first-years and get to know them better over the course of the class.”

Outside the classroom, Cora devotes time to the WashU Student Union as a treasury representative, along with Rockwell Episcopal Ministry, Society of Women Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Society, and Project Smile through the Campus Y. “This year, I am most excited about working with Campus Y on Project Smile. I love getting to meet kids from the St. Louis area and learn about their background while also sharing my passion for arts and crafts.”

Cora’s favorite study spot on campus is the physics library because of the many seating options and large windows. “I also love to relax in the hammock between Dardick and Nemerov [residential houses] because it’s close to my housing and almost always in the sunshine!”

In summer 2024, Cora had an internship at UN&UP, a medical device design startup. “I was able to work with two other WashU students majoring in biomedical engineering.” She learned new skills, such as fluidics and blood clot work, and practiced skills, like using CAD and maintaining 3D printers.

In the future, Cora would like to work with a medical device company. “I love working on devices that have the possibility to save lives, and I also enjoy the culture of a startup and the possibility that it brings.”

Trent Clark aspires to help others in transformative ways, and he’s already made a difference thanks to the scholarship support he’s received. “Your donation has not only impacted me but will also enable me to positively influence others. I am committed to continuing the legacy of giving and support that you have begun in my life.”

His favorite place to study on campus is in the Bear’s Den in the morning when it’s quiet. “I also value the peaceful study environment inside of Kuehner Court. My favorite place to relax on campus is anywhere I can laugh and decompress with my friends because it allows me to carry that energy all around campus.”

A highlight of his previous academic year was being a mentor and role model to incoming first-year students at WashU and those enrolled at other nearby campuses. “I have a passion for putting a smile on faces and creating fun memories. I would update the incoming students on events around campus throughout the school year and invite friends from other schools to our activities and study sessions here on campus.” He has served as a tour guide for incoming scholarship recipients and as a board representative in the College Council for Congress of the South 40.

In July 2024, Trent joined his church on a mission trip to Costa Rica. “Our collective mission was to teach the English language, rejuvenate places of worship, and contribute to the healing of communities affected by natural disasters. I served as a helping hand in constructing homes and medical facilities, thus weaving a tapestry of service and support for those in need.”

This year, Trent is most excited to step into new areas of interest: real estate courses and marketing classes. “I feel like these are great additions to my architectural skills and soon to be bachelor’s degree. I want to take full advantage of every opportunity that is presented to me this year because I know it will pay off in the future!”

In the next few years, Trent hopes to give back financially to scholarship foundations and students around the world, especially in St. Louis. “I also want to continue my passion for traveling with loved ones and analyzing the beautiful architecture presented to me,” he said. “Lastly, I want to be working towards or already owning my own architecture/real estate company.”

Sarah Cai, a student in Arts & Sciences, is grateful to receive scholarship support. “Because of you, I get to experience all the amazing opportunities at WashU. I can’t thank you enough for supporting my education at such an amazing institution.”

Sarah loves to study in the East Asian Library. “It’s really quiet, so I can get a lot of work done there. It’s also less popular than Olin Library, so I can always find a spot.” The view of the campus from Tisch Park in front of Brookings Hall is another favorite of Sarah’s. “The places to eat on that side of campus are all so amazing, too. It’s nice to chat with friends there.”

In fact, many of Lulu’s professors and peers have been a highlight for her. She says they have fostered a culture of support, curiosity, and genuine intellectual growth. “In many of my past classes, collaboration was not only encouraged but celebrated,” she says. “Knowing that the knowledge gained at the end of the course is far more important to my professors than my letter grade has made me feel valued as a learner and motivated me to engage deeply with the material and my classmates.”

She’s majoring in psychological and brain sciences, with minors in writing and architecture.

Her academic pursuits are complemented by involvement in activities including the Asian Music Association, Active Minds, and tae kwon do. “Last academic year, I really enjoyed being a performer in the Lunar New Year Festival at Edison Theater. It gave me a great sense of community and an awesome friend group. Our hard work really paid off, and the festival brings such a large group of students together.”

In summer 2024, Sarah completed an internship with the Personality Measurement and Development Lab at WashU, where she learned valuable skills such as communication, coding, and research.

“This academic year, I am most excited to continue being active in my extracurricular clubs, working as a research assistant, and hanging out with the friends I made last year! And I cannot wait to live in a single room in my dorm.”

After graduation, Sarah plans to continue her studies and earn a PhD in psychology. “I hope to pursue research in the field and discover something new. I would also really like to visit Europe if I have the chance, be it through study abroad or in my free time.”