Kerry Clancy Zochowski (GSP Class of 1986)
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Class Chair Reflections Kerry Clancy Zochowski (GSP Class of 1986) |
Six months ago, my husband, Bob, and I were invited to a local GSP reception at the home of Eileen Harte, the class chair for '77. Bob and I were not familiar with the GSP, and we did not know the Hartes, but we accepted immediately since we both have a great love for Georgetown and always enjoy meeting fellow Hoyas. The evening was just as we expected, full of laughs and interesting conversations. Dean Deacon charmed us all as he shared his intense enthusiasm for the GSP as well as its importance for Georgetown. What made the evening particularly magical was meeting Sarah Alexander, one of the first fifty GSP recipients. A first generation college student, Sarah is a poised and accomplished young woman with an exuberant personality. As she shared her story, I looked around the room and realized by the expressions on everyone's face that we all felt the same way. Sarah deserved to go to Georgetown, and the school was lucky to get her. Bob and I knew that we wanted to be a part of this special program.
In the days following the party, I thought about my years at Georgetown and all the wonderful people I met there. The campus was an enriching environment with people from an array of backgrounds. We all brought with us varied experiences and different perspectives. But not all of us were able to attend Georgetown without financial assistance. It was with these thoughts that I decided to take Dean Deacon's hint at the party to chair the GSP effort for my class. With our 20th reunion approaching, the timing was perfect.
The GSP is designed to ensure that Georgetown continues to attract outstanding candidates who might not otherwise be able to afford it. It allows Georgetown to compete with other top-tier universities for the most sought after students in the country. Georgetown's students will continue to be part of a diverse community. As I have spread the news of the GSP, many of my classmates have responded with enthusiasm. It is truly rewarding to help the school we all love and to make a significant difference in a person's life.