Make Way: Celebrating student success and the power of scholarships

Make Way: Celebrating student success and the power of scholarships

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Larry Thomas, BSBA ’77, and WashU Olin Dean Mike Mazzeo hosted alumni and friends of Olin last month, creating an evening of celebration and inspiration.

The spotlight was on the remarkable stories and journeys of Olin students Shriya Penmetsa, BSBA 2024, Richard Lee, BSBA 2023, and Manaswini Bobbu, MBA 2024. 

The three students are thriving at Olin not only because of their own personal ambitions but also because of the support of our amazing alumni community and broad vision for access and excellence.

Once a scholarship recipient himself, Thomas spoke highly of WashU’s Make Way Student Initiative and shared more about his Step Up Annual Scholarship Challenge, a three-year partnership to support a named annual scholarship for WashU students.

“The scholarship I received to WashU served as a launching pad for me professionally and personally,” he said.

“WashU helped me get an internship with Edward Jones, which in turn opened doors for a successful lifelong career and, with that success, I was in a position to give back to the community by way of this challenge.”

Make Way supports the dreams and potential of the students admitted to WashU. Cost should never stand between a promising student and a WashU education. Join us on this incredible journey of supporting student success.

There are plenty of opportunities to connect with Dean Mazzeo and Olin students. Contact Sarah Nangle at nangle@wustl.edu to learn more. 

Photo: From left, Dean Mike Mazzeo, Shriya Penmetsa, BSBA 2024; Richard Lee, BSBA 2023; Manaswini Bobbu, MBA 2024; and Larry Thomas, BSBA ’77.