Centenary College of Louisiana

At Centenary College, scholarships do more than provide financial support. They create opportunity, build confidence, and shape the student experience.

This year for Give for Good, we are sharing the voices of four students whose lives have been directly impacted by endowed and annual scholarships. Their words reflect the real and lasting difference donor support makes, from opening doors to new opportunities to fostering a strong sense of community and purpose.

“Scholarships represent something much larger than financial support. They are a collective investment in students—an act of confidence from people who believe in the impact we can have.

When I reflect on my journey at Centenary, I do not see individual accomplishments. I see a community—faculty, peers, mentors, and donors—who made those experiences possible.

Your support is not simply an investment in one student. It is an investment in the collaborative spirit that allows a community like Centenary to thrive.” - Henry Pudwill '27

“I never imagined that Centenary would become so much more than where my weekly piano lessons took place.

I took a leap of faith and chose Centenary, and I was welcomed with possibilities I had never even dreamed of—possibilities made realities through your donations.

Today, I stand as a testament to your generosity. I have become more than just a student—I have become an active member of this beautiful community.” - Ella Bylsma '28

“Opportunity is one of the words I most deeply associate with Centenary. When I reflect on my time here, I always find myself circling back to the many opportunities I’ve been given.

Scholarships are not just financial support—they are a vote of confidence. They represent someone choosing to believe in a student’s potential.

Your generosity allows students like me to embrace the opportunities that make the Centenary experience so meaningful. Thank you for believing in us.” - Herman Pride '27

“The promise we make as members of the Centenary community—to live productive lives full of purpose and vitality—reminds us that we are continually lifted to grow as leaders, as friends, and as members of a global society.

The spirit of those who came before us—and the generosity you continue to show—allow us to grow stronger each year, shaping not only what this institution becomes, but who we are becoming within it.” - Isabela Vasquez '28

From left to right: Henry Pudwill, Ella Bylsma, Herman Pride, Isabela Vasquez