Adam Ortiz '10: The Face of Achievement

"I was able to attend Gettysburg only because of the scholarships and financial aid I received. I've been a work-study employee and a student leader. I studied European politics during a semester in Greece, and I met and shadowed alumni on different career paths. I've had the best possible Gettysburg experience."

The face of achievement, Adam Ortiz '10 is one of the six graduates in the Class of 2010 who earned grants for post-baccalaureate study abroad from the prestigious Fulbright Program.

More than 1.5 million bachelor's degrees are given in the U.S. each year. Fulbright accepts 1,500, one-tenth of one percent of those graduates. Gettysburg College is well represented. In addition to the six members of the Class of 2010 who earned Fulbright grants, there were five from the College in 2009 and seven others across the last decade.

Selection is based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a driving interest in promoting cross-cultural connections and understanding, three qualities of the Gettysburg experience.

Adam Ortiz '10 had the right stuff - he was also selected for the competitive "Teach for America" program. Like more than half of his class, Adam studied abroad. That experience gave him the lead insight for his Fulbright application.

"I studied abroad in Greece and fell in love with Turkey, " he wrote.

While in Greece, Adam stepped out of the academic circle and really got to know people in the community. He found contradictions between the negative feelings toward Turkey and what he was learning about Turkish culture from hotel workers, street vendors, and others. His desire for a deeper, richer experience and interest in international education were as persuasive as his credentials.

Gettysburg College prepares students to be leaders and active citizens in their professions, communities, nation, and the world.

The Fulbright awards bear out the College's ability to fulfill that promise, as do the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, Goldwater Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, the Nobel Prize, the Newbery Medal, and other distinguished honors of students, faculty, and alumni. There are as many illustrations of the difference the Gettysburg experience makes as there are Gettysburgians.

Assuring the high quality and accessibility of a Gettysburg College education is an urgent concern and one that even our most recent graduates stepped up to address.

Every one of the six Fulbright students in the College's Class of 2010 supported the Gettysburg Fund through their Senior Class Gift. A record 95 percent of the senior class contributed, sending a clear signal that they value their College experience and want those who follow to benefit, as well.

Annual giving matters.

Annual giving provides vital funds for scholarships, educational resources, athletics, and co-curricular opportunities. Gifts to the Gettysburg Fund (and through the Parents Fund and Senior Class Gift) provide funds for every part of the Gettysburg experience. College athletic programs rely on gifts to the Orange & Blue Club as an essential part of the annual budget. Without the Gettysburg Fund and the Orange & Blue Club, it would be impossible to provide much of what makes a Gettysburg College education distinctive.

Every gift, every year is important.

Annual gifts are current-use funds-gifts go toward College costs in the year they are made. Both the academic year and the annual giving fund year end May 31. Unrestricted gifts help to address College priorities in areas where need is the greatest.

The Cupola Society fosters the tradition of philanthropy that has sustained the College throughout its 178 years. Generous leadership gifts made by Cupola Society members are recognized on an annual basis.

The percentage of alumni who make gifts each year is reflected in the participation rate, an important indicator of support for the College mission. Every gift counts.

Consider the difference you can make.

Throughout the year we will bring you the stories of people who make a difference. In them you'll see examples of leadership, scholarship, athletic prowess, artistic talent, compassion, innovation, creativity, inquisitiveness - the many and various faces of Gettysburg College. Take pride in them and consider the opportunity to contribute to their future-each story represents many more. We promise to reach out to as many alumni, parents, and friends as possible to raise essential unrestricted support for the 2010-2011 academic year so that there are even more stories to tell.

Office of Annual Giving
300 N. Washington Street
Gettysburg College
Box 423
Gettysburg, PA 17325

1-800-238-5528 or email
gettysburg_fund@gettysburg.edu.