I was a recipient of the James J. Toal Scholarship in 2017. I am writing to you after completing my freshman year at The George Washington University. I am humbled to share my success in both my academics and extra-curriculars this year. While pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Economics and Public Policy, I finished with a 3.88 GPA and made the Dean’s List both semesters. I have attached my transcript as requested when you awarded me the scholarship. I am actively considering a second concentration in either Business Analytics or Information Technology System Management, and I look forward to continuing my coursework as a student of the University Honors Program. The financial assistance from the Clark Scholarship Fund enabled me to focus on the classroom rather than worry about affording my education.

I was also fortunate to thrive outside of the classroom. I interned at Peace Corps in the Health Informatics Unit, conducting data analytics and supporting the development of a new health database that is set to launch next year. GW also has an abundance of clubs and organizations. I was involved with GW Women in Business, GW Catholics, Women’s Club Soccer, Honors Peer Advising, and the Student Advisory Board for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. I was even able to seek leadership positions within some of these groups. I would not have been able to pursue my interests and get involved on campus without your generosity to help finance my education.

I have several things to look forward to. This summer, I will be interning at Novo Nordisk in Princeton, NJ. In August, I am excited to return to DC and continue my education at the School of Business. In April, I was fortunately accepted to the Global Bachelors Program, so I will be studying at Fudan University in Shanghai during the Spring 2019 semester. Afterwards, I will study abroad two more times through the program. The Clark Scholarship Fund’s contributions will bolster my future success and enable me to take advantage of more opportunities like these.

I hope this email demonstrates the good that the James J. Toal Scholarship brings. As I reflect on freshman year, I am filled with gratitude for your support. I wish you good health and want to thank you for helping me succeed in college.

Regards,

Meaghan Gallagher