Lebanon Valley College Announces The Almond Tree Annual Scholarship Fund

Through the extraordinary generosity of Dr. JonnaLynn Knauer Mandelbaum ’69, Lebanon Valley College is pleased to announce The Almond Tree Annual Scholarship Fund, a $50,000 full scholarship offered to a student of high promise, but limited means, from sub-Saharan Africa. Renewable for four years of undergraduate study, it will cover the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board, as well flexible costs of up to $6,500 for expenses such as travel, computer purchase, textbooks, living supplies, visa fees, and other common expenditures experienced by international students.

The inaugural Almond Tree Annual Scholarship was awarded to Shingirai Guchu ’21, a double major in accounting and computer & data science from Zimbabwe. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Financial Aid in collaboration with representatives of LVC’s Center for Global Education and Admission Office, international recruitment. 

“The Almond Tree Annual Scholarship Fund will transform the lives of recipients by providing distinctive opportunities to students from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other sub-Saharan countries,” said Jill Russell, LVC’s director of global education. “It will enable students of high promise to fulfill dreams they have been motivated by since picking up their first book.” 

Admission criteria for The Almond Tree Annual Scholarship Fund include submission of a directed essay. The recipient must also meet Lebanon Valley College’s criteria for admission, including:

*Secondary school/high school academic record, a school leaving certificate, and a 3.0 GPA or B average

*TOEFL of 80 in iBT, IELTS of 6.5, or STEP Eiken Grade 1. Students do not have to take these tests if their education was conducted in English. 

The Almond Tree Scholar will be fully supported by staff in the College’s Center for Global Education, an active and engaging office that supports LVC’s international students and those who plan to study abroad. The center supports numerous campus groups and activities, including the Global Coffee Series, International Education Week, Global Education Student Club, International Food Festival, and Cultural Mentorship Program. The center is an advocate for international education and cultural exchange, responding to specific needs and concerns of the international community.