Awa Diop ’29 sought a college that would feel like home. She wanted small classes where she could connect with professors and peers and opportunities to strengthen her passion for service. At Gettysburg College, Awa found a supportive living-learning community.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, during the annual First-Year Walk, Awa accepted the key to Gettysburg from Mayor Rita Frealing on behalf of her class. Held during the second day of Orientation, the First-Year Walk commemorates the walk that students and faculty from the College took on Nov. 19, 1863. On that day, they accompanied President Abraham Lincoln through town to attend the dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery and hear Lincoln deliver his Gettysburg Address.
“It’s such an honor for me to be welcomed in this place,” she said, moments after participating in the First-Year Walk. “It wasn’t easy for me coming here as a first-generation student. I have worked so hard to get here, and being welcomed in this way means a lot to me.”
Awa, the second oldest of five siblings, is the second in her family to attend college and is the first to venture from her home country to study in America.
Before enrolling at Gettysburg, Awa, who was born in Senegal, attended her last two years of high school at UWC (United World College)-USA in Montezuma, New Mexico, where she was a Davis UWC Scholar. At UWC, Awa served as a residential assistant and was actively involved in many service activities and projects, including the Climate Action Team.
Service has always been important to Awa. At age 17, she launched a fundraiser and founded the “Villagers Deserve Support” initiative to improve educational experiences in her primary school in Senegal. She plans to pursue similar service opportunities at Gettysburg College as a finance and data science double major, while also joining cultural organizations and playing for the intramural soccer club.
“I enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions,” she said. “At the same time, I am open to exploring classes that connect with my interests in leadership, entrepreneurship, and service. I look forward to taking part in activities that allow me to contribute to the Gettysburg community.”
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By Michael Vyskocil
Photos by Abbey Frisco
Posted: 08/27/25