Two Significant Gifts Propel Bucknell’s Financial Aid Initiatives

Bucknell’s commitment to access has taken a major step forward with two transformative gifts: one dedicated to merit-based scholarships and another to need-based financial aid.

A new endowment from Bob ’84, P’16 and Sue DeMent Gamgort ’84, P’16 will ensure Bucknell’s ability to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need and eliminate loans for students in the Gamgort Family Gateway Scholars Program. Established in 2023, the program provides financial support and mentorship to first-generation college students.

In the College of Arts & Sciences, the Malesardi Arts & Sciences Scholars — named in gratitude for a generous estate gift from the late Robert Malesardi ’45, P’75, P’79, P’87, G’08 and his wife, Doris Fisher Malesardi — awards merit scholarships to academically high-achieving students.

“These gifts exemplify the transformative power of financial aid,” says Bucknell President John Bravman. “They open doors for talented students who might otherwise be unable to attend Bucknell and strengthen our community with exceptional thinkers who will go on to change the world.”