Bridging a Family Connection

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 and has donated to the fund every year since its creation. “I know how much it costs to go to a private university,” she said. “There are very worthy students who may not be able to go without some help.”
 
The endowed fund has grown significantly over the past four decades. Wright said she was pleased to learn that there are still many members of her graduating class who continue to support the scholarship today. “They have given very generously,” she said. “To know that people are still contributing is very gratifying.”
 
When Clarke, the granddaughter of Barbara Cawthorne Clarke, W’52, P’80, was awarded the scholarship, Wright and other members of the class were thrilled that she was both a legacy student and had a meritorious academic record.
 
“It’s not often that we have a scholarship recipient who is a granddaughter [of a classmate]," Wright said. "It’s very special.”
 
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.”
 
Reunion is a meaningful opportunity for Spider alumni to reflect on the foundation they received as a student. Learn more about how to support current and future Spiders.