Attending the Scholarship Donor Celebration was, from left, Willie Herenton, Victoria Terevinto, Stephen Cohen, David Malka, Gianna Satchell, and University President Joe Echevarria.
By Benjamin Estrada bae43@miami.edu
When senior Victoria Terevinto called her father with the news that she had received a major scholarship, he had to pull over to the side of the road, too overcome with emotion to continue driving.
“These things don’t happen to us,” her father said, the weight of the moment hanging between them. However, thanks to the generosity of scholarship donors, they do.
Against the vibrant backdrop of the University of Miami’s centennial year, the 2025 Scholarship Donor Celebration was held Feb. 6 at the Lakeside Village Expo Center. The event brought together scholarship donors and student recipients to honor the profound impact of generosity on futures shaped, dreams realized, and lifelong connections forged.
University President Joe Echevarria shared his own scholarship story, recounting how one changed the course of his life, allowing him to become a Cane instead of staying in the Bronx and pursuing a career as an auto mechanic. “Without that scholarship, I don’t come to school. I don’t get a job at Deloitte. I don’t work there for 37 years. And I don’t get to come back here and be with all of you.” His story resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the idea that giving extends beyond individuals and shapes generations.
Since 2015, scholarships at the University have received remarkable support, with more than 44,000 donors contributing over $272 million. This backing has touched nearly 1,000 scholarship funds, with each one expanding opportunities for students and ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic success.
A panel discussion featuring two alumni donors and three scholarship recipients showcased the tangible effects of philanthropy. Junior Gianna Satchell spoke about how receiving scholarships freed her from the financial constraints that might have otherwise limited her college experience. Satchell was able to fully immerse herself in campus life, joining student organizations and building valuable connections.
Scholarship Donor Scholarship“This scholarship honestly gave me the opportunity to focus on my academics and get involved in everything UM has to offer,” Satchell said. “I’ve been involved with UMTV, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Above the Bar, Phi Delta Alpha Pre-Law Fraternity, and even served as a disciplinary panelist. I work as a career coach at Toppel Career Center and a teaching assistant—all things I wouldn’t have had the time to do if I were constantly worrying about how to pay for school.”
Stephen Cohen, a School of Law alumnus, shared how scholarships allowed him to stay at the University and build a lifelong connection to the institution. In gratitude for the opportunities he received, he later established the Steven L. Cohen Endowed Law Scholarship. “Had I gone elsewhere, I wouldn’t feel the same connection to this place. But because of my scholarship, I’m here today, giving back,” Cohen said.
For many students, these scholarships are life-changing, not only lifting the financial burden but also instilling a sense of confidence and motivation. They serve as a powerful reminder that someone believes in their potential and is willing to invest in it.
Willie Herenton, a College of Arts and Sciences alumnus who established the Willie W. Herenton Business Scholarship, reflected on how the scholarships pushed him to achieve more than he ever thought possible. “Being on the basketball team and receiving a scholarship fueled me. It gave me a different kind of motivation. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today, believing I can conquer anything. I never would have imagined making ‘30 Under 30’ or earning a top GPA on the ACC Honor Roll. Those achievements happened because someone believed in me,” Herenton said.
As the celebration concluded, second-year law student David Malka—recipient of the Steven L. Cohen Endowed Law Scholarship—summed up the essence of philanthropy. “Giving isn’t just about a one-time gift. It pays dividends. It allows students like us to continue our journeys, and one day, we’ll be in a position to give back as well.”
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