Donor Impact & Recognition

Dusty Putnam '72

Donor & Member of the Board of Trustees

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“Etown has always been a super special place for me. I was an Army brat. I traveled the world and attended 13 different schools. At Etown, for the first time in my life, I was the same as everyone else. I was embraced and accepted. So when the College came to us, we weighed where we could make the biggest difference.”

Dusty made a gift to the College in 2018 to support the creation of a 180-meter indoor track in the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being. The Putnam Track serves as a practice space for Etown student-athletes and a recreational area for all members of the Elizabethtown College campus community. Dusty graduated from Elizabethtown College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is a current member of the College’s Board of Trustees.

Valerie Eichorn '00

Creator of the 'Unlocking Your Potential Scholarship'

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“It is so gratifying to see firsthand how your contributions are being leveraged to help students have the best educational experience possible. The name of my scholarship, ‘Unlocking Your Potential,’ embodies my purpose. It’s about helping others know they are loved, they are worthy, and they are strong.”

Valerie realized her vision of helping students push themselves beyond what they themselves perceive they are capable of through the creation of the "Unlocking Your Potential Scholarship," which benefits a student who comes from a single-parent home. Valerie earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Elizabethtown College. During her time at Etown, she lost her father to suicide and credits the College for supporting her through the hardest time in her life. This is what inspired her to create the “Unlocking Your Potential Scholarship.”

Joe DePippo '76

Co-Creator of the 'Joseph A. '76 and Nancy Z. '79 DePippo Scholarship Fund'

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“At Elizabethtown College, I got a great education, met some great people, and had some special mentors. My wife, Nancy, and I have continually tried to give back to Etown so that we can give future students, who may not have the financial means required, an opportunity to have a similar experience and be a part of this educational community.”

In 2021, Joe and Nancy created the "Joseph A. '76 and Nancy Z. '79 DePippo Scholarship Fund," which supports students of color at Elizabethtown College who are U.S. citizens with demonstrated financial need. Joe graduated from Etown with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Etown is where Joe met Nancy (Zinn), and he was a member of the men’s soccer team and several other student organizations. He remains engaged with the College in various capacities.

Peter '12 & Shelley Hobbs

Etown’s First Impact Scholarship Donors

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"Our reason for giving to impact scholarships was about a belief in community and shared purpose. As we give to each other through gifts, acts of service, and sharing our stories, we are investing in the success of people. As an SGPS alumnus, and a first-generation college graduate, I'm grateful for those at Etown who fanned the flame of perseverance for me. That gratitude is a great feeling, and the impact scholarship is a way of extending that gratitude and an inspiration to others. Please join us in building up the Blue Jay family."