Your Support Matters: Day of Giving Stories
Day of Giving is today! We asked some of our students how their financial aid package influenced their decision to attend Lewis & Clark.
Show your support for students like these. Give today!
Ashtyn Aponte BA ’26 (she/her)
Hometown: Milwaukie, Oregon
Major: Political Science
The financial aid offered by Lewis & Clark made the decision-making process incredibly easy. In fact, it may have altered the trajectory of my entire life. Despite being valedictorian and maintaining near perfect attendance throughout high school, the acceptance into my dream college would have been meaningless if I couldn’t afford to attend. At one point, I even considered abandoning my dream and attending trade school. However, the scholarship from Lewis & Clark changed everything and set me on a new path.
Manuel Avalos Robles JD ’26
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
The financial aid package was crucial for me to decide to go to law school in general but also Lewis & Clark specifically. The opportunity given to me through scholarships was a driving factor as I am paying for law school myself.
Jeni Baez JD ’26
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
The scholarship package offered by Lewis & Clark played a significant role in my decision to attend. The scholarship eased the transition from undergraduate to law school, reducing the financial strain and making the decision to pursue law school less daunting. Having completed my undergraduate studies at Lewis & Clark, I recognized its unique atmosphere and knew I wanted to stay and pursue my legal education here. However, the decision to stay for law school hinged on financial considerations. The scholarship provided ultimately made the decision effortless for me.
Apollo Beaber BA ’25 (he/him)
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Major: Art History
My financial aid package not only made attending Lewis & Clark possible; it made me feel wanted, like L&C was a place I was meant to be.
Savannah Bishop BA ’25 (she/her)
Hometown: Portland and Bend, Oregon; Budapest, Hungary; Accra, Ghana
Major: Psychology
Minor: Political Science
My financial aid package had a major influence on my decision to attend L&C. It provided me with the most affordable path toward obtaining my undergraduate degree compared to the other institutions I had gotten accepted into.
Betsie Droukas MAT ’25 (she/her)
Hometown: Alsea, Oregon
Program: Part-Time MAT Elementary Cohort for School Employees
My financial aid package was imperative in me being able to attend Lewis & Clark. I was able to not have to worry about getting a second job in order to pay for school. It allowed me to not worry about a large tuition bill and know that my master’s program would be financially manageable to me.
Eliana Essman BA ’25 (she/they)
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Religious Studies
The financial aid package that Lewis & Clark gave me was unmatched. I would not be able to attend L&C without it and I am so grateful.
Kryton Gackle BA ’25 (he/him)
Hometown: Miles City, Montana
Major: Chemistry
It was a significant part of my decision. Without the generous aid, I would not have been able to attend Lewis & Clark.
Liv Ladaire BA ’25 (she/her)
Hometown: Orange County, California
Major: Environmental Studies
I am so grateful that throughout my time here Lewis & Clark has granted me opportunities to apply to new scholarships as my academic career has developed. Receiving a SAAB grant to fund a film, as well as becoming a Mary Stuart Rogers scholar in recognition of my academic rigor has furthered my growth and success at L&C.
Audrey Perry BA ’25 (she/they)
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Majors: Sociology/Anthropology, French Studies (double)
As for many of my peers, financial aid essentially determined my enrollment here. I wouldn’t have been able to attend school outside of my own state without federal and Lewis & Clark aid. The aid I’ve received has even made it possible for me to study abroad in Strasbourg, France. My experience with financial aid inspired me to get involved in Phonathon and Student Philanthropy Council, and has been a big part of my social experience and commitment of time while at L&C.
Wil Powell II BA ’24 (he/him)
Hometown: Oakland, Oregon
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Economics
My financial aid package had a very large influence on my decision to attend this school. If not for the large number of merit scholarships I received, I would not have been able to attend school here.
Ainsley Rios BA ’27 (she/her)
Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon
Major: Psychology
The financial aid package I received greatly influenced my decision to go to Lewis & Clark. Without it, I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today.
Julian Saenz MEd ’24 (he/him)
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Program: Master of Education in School Counseling
Recognizing the importance of a quality education and the financial constraints many students face, the financial aid provided by the institution alleviated the burden of tuition costs. It not only made Lewis & Clark an accessible option for me but also demonstrated the institution’s commitment to supporting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Annabelle Samson BA ’27 (she/her)
Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: French Studies
I always hoped I would get to attend a small liberal arts college, but I never thought it would be a real possibility until I saw the financial aid package Lewis & Clark offered me. My parents are both public school teachers and I am so lucky that they saved all that they could, but I had accepted the fact that I would only ever be able to pay for an education at a state school. The scholarships I was offered closed the gap between private and public education, allowing me to pursue my dreams the way I imagined.
Beau Staun-List BA ’25 (she/her)
Hometown: Topanga, California
Majors: Environmental Studies and French Studies (double)
L&C was one of the most generous in terms of financial aid, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to study abroad with the support of the school behind me. With L&C’s help, I’ve been able to prioritize my studies while also balancing a light part-time job.
Christi San Diego BA ’27 (she/her)
Hometown: Gypsum, Colorado
Major: Political Science
Lewis & Clark was very generous and gave me a lot of money in grants and scholarships. As a low-income student, I can’t go to college without scholarships and grants. I’m very thankful for this opportunity that Lewis & Clark has provided me along with other external scholarship donors.
Jade Valdez BA ’25 (she/her)
Hometown: Woods Cross, Utah
Major: Biology
Financial aid allowed me the opportunity to attend a liberal arts college that I previously thought would be unreachable to me. I felt that I could not pass up the opportunity to attend a reputable college that was willing to support my goals and future. The offer knocked all other prospective colleges off of my list. I am forever grateful for the financial aid that I have received as it has changed my life in remarkable ways.
Sophia Whyte BA ’24 (she/her)
Hometown: Berkeley, California
Major: Psychology
Lewis & Clark College offered me a very generous financial aid package that I was glad to accept. I am so thankful to the donors, alumni, friends of Lewis & Clark, and more for allowing me to attend this institution. I have seen the impact that donating to the school makes, and I wouldn’t be here without those generous donors.
More Giving Stories
email giving@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7900
Vice President for Advancement
Josh Walter
Advancement Office
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Portland OR 97219