Scholarship Recipient Information

Someone invested in you. Tell them why it matters.

You’ve been awarded an endowed scholarship funded by a donor. Alumni and friends invest in scholarships like these because they believe in you and your potential. Take a few minutes to write them a personal note. Pick at least two of the writing prompts to incorporate into your letter and review our quick tips for writing a strong note. A sample letter is below to guide you on the suggested format.

Suggested Writing Prompts

  1. If you could invite this donor to sit in on one of your classes, which would it be and why?
  2. What’s one book or article you’ve read this year that challenged your thinking?
  3. What’s one thing you want this donor to know about the person you’re becoming because of your K education?
  4. How have you grown during your time at Kalamazoo College?
  5. What are your future aspirations after you graduate from K?

Quick Tips for Success

Include information about who you are. Consider sharing brief details about your academic interests, campus involvements, study abroad experience or community engagement.
Be specific. Generic thanks are fine, but a concrete detail to express your appreciation—referring to a class, a book, a moment—makes your note memorable.
Be yourself. You don’t need to sound formal. Write the way you’d talk to someone who genuinely wants to hear from you.
Keep it focused. A few well-written paragraphs are more meaningful than a long, unfocused letter. Aim for 150–300 words.
Proof before sending. Take a minute to read what you wrote out loud, or give to a friend to review, for clarity, grammar and flow.

SAMPLE DONOR LETTER

Dear Mrs. Jones,

As the recipient of the Jones Family Endowed Scholarship, I am writing this letter to thank you for supporting Kalamazoo College and students like me. Receiving this financial support is a tremendous help. It allows me to pursue my academic endeavors with greater focus and determination. Your generosity not only supports my personal growth but also empowers me to make a positive impact in my future endeavors.

I chose K because of the open curriculum and the opportunities to study abroad. So far, I’ve been able to try out many different classes, including an Intro to Poetry class that provided a challenging creative outlet. I’m planning to major in Economics and study abroad in Spain next year. I’m very excited about what lies ahead!

Thank you for being part of my story and supporting my academic journey. I’m very appreciative and hope to pass it forward in the future.

Sincerely,
Buzz Hornet
Class of 2028

Please email your completed letter(s) in Word format to Desma Caudill, or send a hand-written note via campus mail to:

Desma Caudill
Office for College Advancement
Room 318, Mandelle Hall

If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Desma Caudill, Manager of Donor Relations.

Information provided may be used for donor stewardship and fundraising marketing purposes. By submitting a thank you letter, you are providing your permission to share the information with the donor and Advancement staff.