Give Something Back Gives $1.5 million to Lewis University for Scholarship Support

(L to R) Dr. David Livingston, Robert Carr and Russ Smyth

Give Something Back, an organization that provides scholarships and mentoring to low-income students in five states, presented Lewis University and Dr. David Livingston with a $1.5 million gift for scholarship support on Thursday, May 4.

These scholarship funds, combined with funding from Lewis University as well as state and federal grants, will make it possible for more than 100 students to attend Lewis over the coming decade, including 22 students who will begin classes next fall.

“Lewis University is incredibly proud and grateful to be part of the life-changing journey that Give Something Back offers to students. We look forward to continuing our partnership and relationship with current students who are at Lewis and the students who will be coming over the next decade,” commented Livingston.

The gift was presented by Give Back founder Robert Carr, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and author who grew up in a financially strapped household in Homer Township. As a high school senior, Carr received a $250 scholarship from the Lockport Women's Club. Their gift inspired him decades later to establish Give Back and help other working-class students.

“These are students who could use a break,” said Carr. “I am very proud that this partnership with Lewis University is making it possible for so many deserving students to go to college and pursue career goals that would otherwise be out of their reach.”

In 2013, Give Back made a $1 million gift to Lewis University as part of its innovative partnership program, which provides mentors and scholarships to help Pell Grant eligible students go to college and graduate in four years, debt-free. Under the program, eligible students are selected in the ninth grade and mentored through high school. After graduation, Give Something Back scholars attend one of its partner universities and colleges in Illinois, Delaware, California, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. (Visit www.giveback.ngo for more information.)

Lewis University is an innovative and entrepreneurial Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected and socially responsible graduates. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.