View From the Hill

Vermont First Scholars: Joe Letourneau '13 and Michaela Fortin '11

On the Road to Success - Vermont First Scholars

From the assortment of shiny antique, classic, and sports cars parked on the lawn at Champlain Trustee Diana McCargo and Peter Swift's Charlotte home, one might have expected the guest list to include undercover agents, movie stars, and perhaps even a president.

Instead, the guest list for Champlain College's Vehicle to a Better Life benefit brought a wide range of friends and supporters together to help raise funds for the Vermont First scholarship-a need-based scholarship designed to recognize the drive and challenges facing first-generation college-bound Vermont high school seniors.

The program, instituted by President David F. Finney in 2007, helped 30 Champlain students meet their enrollment costs in its first year. For the 2009-10 academic year, the number of Vermont First scholarship recipients had more than doubled, serving 70 students who received more than $940,000 in institutional financial aid. For many, the scholarship combined with federal and state grants covered the full cost of attending Champlain.

Michaela Fortin '11 of Bristol, a Graphic Design major, was among those first 30 students whose lives were changed by the Vermont First scholarship. "Champlain was my one and only choice of colleges to attend. I applied early decision in my senior year and was accepted. However, as information packets arrived, I began to understand the true cost of college," she recalled. In researching scholarships and financial aid options, she found that she qualified for the new scholarship designed to help academically talented students whose parents have not attended college. "It was the key to my success," said Fortin, who graduates next May. "It was exciting to know that a Vermont college cares about Vermont students."

While family circumstances were different for Joe Letourneau '13, of Hinesburg, the Vermont First scholarship also brought him to Champlain. Without it, he says, he probably wouldn't have been able to attend college. "There are still many others out there like me who want to go to college, but don't have the choice because of financial reasons. I have been fortunate because of the generosity of people like you," he told those gathered at the benefit event.

"It will be years before I can financially give back to the community that now supports me. However, by telling my story," explained Letourneau, an Information Technology major, "I hope to help pave the way for other Vermont First scholars who follow in my footsteps."

Needs are clearly growing for many Vermont families. This academic year, more than 100 Vermont First scholars are expected to receive support from an anticipated investment by Champlain of $1.3 million in institutional aid for the program.

While surrounded by classic cars, stories, local music, food, and the panoramic views of the Green Mountains, the message of need was heard loud and clear. As was the challenge grant from Champlain Trustee Michael Metz and his family to match every gift up to $75,000. As of late summer, the Vehicle to a Better Life committee had raised more than $208,000, well over the original $150,000 goal.

Part of the success goes directly back to Letourneau and Fortin and their stories. "These two amazing students spoke from the heart about their experiences as the first in their families to attend college and what it means for their future," McCargo said. "They were just two of many examples of the transformative power of a Champlain education." -Stephen Mease

For further information about the Vermont First scholarship, please contact Moneer Greenbaum or at (802) 865-5426.