Tapashya Ghimirey smiles on stage at Penn State Greater Allegheny.
McKEESPORT, Pa. — Penn State Greater Allegheny hosted its Scholarship Recipient and Donor Recognition Lunch on April 17, celebrating the generosity of donors and the achievements of student recipients.
Megan L. Nagel, regional chancellor, welcomed guests to the event, followed by remarks from Daniel J. Pinchot, senior director of Enrollment Management for Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Anne M. Pastor, director of campus development.
Tapashya Ghimirey, an accounting major and recipient of the Wallace and Zelda Bland and Kemp Family Trustee Scholarship, served as the event’s student speaker.
“I was born in Nepal and came to the United States at just five years old,” Ghimirey said. “Adjusting to a new country wasn’t easy for me. I didn’t speak the language or culture, and honestly? I felt lost for a while.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always imagined being a businesswoman [that works] in huge buildings doing something that would make my parents proud. That dream is what keeps me going even when things get hard, and they definitely have. Like many students, I have faced financial hardship. I’ve taken summer classes to get ahead, worked part-time, and have done whatever I could to stay on track.
“So when I received this scholarship, it was more than just financial help. It was a reminder that people believe in students like myself. It gave me a chance to focus on school without worrying how I would afford it. That kind of support changes lives.
Ghimirey went on to share how the supportive Penn State Greater Allegheny community helped her and other students thrive. Involved in Student Government, the Asian Cultural Exchange Club, Lion Ambassadors, and the SIF Committee, she found friendship, leadership, and her voice.
“I am truly grateful for your generosity,” Ghimirey told donors. “Your support is helping me get closer to my dreams, and I hope to make the most of this opportunity. I also hope that one day, I will be able to help others in the same way you have helped me.”
