As freshmen, University Fellows read Aristotle and learn the concept of areté, the ancient Greek term for "excellence." Aristotle understood excellence as both doing things well and doing them for virtuous purposes. In keeping with this idea, the University Fellows Excellence Fund provides financial support for students to engage in truly excellent endeavors such as global internships, advanced academic scholarship, and summer seminars. Past recipients have completed international health fellowships (Uganda, Haiti, Peru, and Honduras), taught English and math to children in India, interned with a social entrepreneurship non-profit in South Africa, and attended academic conferences and seminars.

To discuss ways to financially support the program, contact Doug Wilson, assistant vice president for university advancement, at 205-726-4266 or dwilson@samford.edu.

In 2008, our inaugural Parents Council recognized a need within the Fellows community. They established the University Fellows Student Assistance Fund, which assists Fellows with substantial financial need. In recent years, the fund has been used not only for textbooks but also for fuel, health insurance, and living expenses. Some of our neediest students work more than one part-time job, commute from home to save money, and still manage to successfully carry a full academic load. For these students, the assistance fund makes college a bit more manageable.

To discuss ways to financially support the program, contact Doug Wilson, assistant vice president for university advancement, at 205-726-4266 or dwilson@samford.edu. 

All University Fellows travel to Italy after a student's sophomore year. One of the most substantial benefits to being a Fellow is that the program aims to subsidize the trip as much as possible, covering hotels, some meals, ground transportation and entrance to museums. While in Italy, Fellows spend nearly two weeks visiting historic sites in Rome and Florence. To support our students and lessen the financial burden, contact Doug Wilson, assistant vice president for university advancement, at 205-726-4266 or dwilson@samford.edu to give today.

The University Fellows Parents Council supports our mission by providing opportunities for families to volunteer, financially support, and represent the program. The inaugural council established the Student Assistance Fund, which offers financial assistance to Fellows with demonstrated need. In the spring, they play a vital role in hosting prospective parents on Interview Day. In addition, parent volunteers coordinate the commencement reception for each class of graduates.

Parents Council Opportunities

• One to two planning meetings each year (Family Weekend and Step Sing Weekend)
• Volunteer opportunities (Family Weekend, Interview Day, commencement reception, recruitment, final exams party for students, Move-In Day reception for freshmen)
• A chance to represent the program to prospective parents
• Support the program financially and promote financial stewardship from other parents

If you are interested in joining the University Fellows Parents Council or are a prospective parent who wants to hear from our current parents, please contact our chairs, Beth and Tim Aho.

Wilton H. Bunch Memorial Scholarships shall be awarded to entering freshman University Fellows student(s) who have demonstrated financial need. Once a student or students are awarded, the scholarship shall be awarded for the next three years, not to exceed a total of four years, as long as the student remains a University Fellow in good standing. Contact Doug Wilson, assistant vice president for university advancement, at 205-726-4266 or dwilson@samford.edu, to give to the Wilton H. Bunch Memorial Scholarship today.