F&M Stories

Why Give? Five Inspiring Stories

Like a ripple in a pond, one financial gift can change the academic trajectory for Franklin & Marshall students and those that follow them. As the 2023-2024 fiscal year comes to a close, explore five recent stories that showcase the philanthropic spirit of Diplomats worldwide.

Karla Avelino


1. Attorney's Passion Paves Way for Students

An F&M grant enabled Karla Avelino ’01 to return to her Central American birth country and discover a passion for immigration law. A founding partner of Roger and Avelino law firm, she’s now paving the way for current and future students to find their potential. 

Why She Gives

Bob Krasne
2. Diplomat Leadership Program: Latest Steinman Foundation Initiative to Benefit F&M Students

Over many decades, The Steinman Foundation, one of the most prominent grant-making charitable organizations in Lancaster County, has supported programs that provide opportunities for Franklin & Marshall students and benefit the broader community. Now, those opportunities have expanded with the Diplomat Leadership program. 

Learn More

Alethia Batchelder
3. Unleashing Dreams: Alethia Batchelder ’24

Meet Alethia Batchelder, a recently graduated animal behavior studies major from Maine. Her F&M journey is possible thanks to the support of the Arthur W. and Stella M. Choney Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Watch Video

F&M cupola
4. Robert Mullins '91: Grateful for F&M

How do you show appreciation for an institution that worked with you through a life threatening illness to get your degree in four years? If you’re Robert “Rob” Mullins ’91, you give back to that organization in every way you can. “Franklin & Marshall College helped, and helped, and then helped some more,” Mullins recalls. 

Why He Gives

Lux et Lex walk
5. A New Generation of F&M Philanthropists

Lara Gillingham '23 and Hope Petralia '24, previous chairs of the Student Giving Committee, have one message: Diplomats do not need to wait until they graduate to start giving back to their school.

The Student Giving Challenge

Could you be the next featured story? 

From financial gifts to volunteering time and expertise, there are many ways to give at F&M. Explore how to give.

Giving at F&M

Donors inspire excellence at Franklin & Marshall College by supporting students, faculty and research that benefits the entire F&M community and beyond.

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