Kim Phipps First Class Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Class of 2009 is proud to establish the Kim S. Phipps First Class Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of President Kim S. Phipps, the 8th president of Messiah University. President Phipps' inauguration coincided with our first semester of college, making us the first alumni group to experience her exemplary 20-year leadership throughout our four years on campus. During this time, we embraced the values of community, reconciliation, hospitality, and service to others that she championed. She inspired us to ask questions and explore the world around us. President Phipps consistently demonstrated empathy and courage in leadership by engaging in thoughtful and challenging conversations with our class – whether those conversations took place at a “Pizza with the Prez” event in our dorm lobbies, in her office during her generous open-door sessions, or on social media. We are grateful for caring, accessible leadership during such formative years in our lives.  

To honor her personal journey as a first-generation college student, we are committed to supporting Messiah University students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. This scholarship reflects our dedication to the values of inclusivity and hospitality that President Phipps emphasized throughout her tenure. With Messiah University’s four-year graduation rate for first-generation students surpassing the national average, we hope this fund will only add to the meaningful support provided to these scholars at our alma mater.”