LVC Awards Two Zimbabwe Students Full Almond Tree Scholarships

Fatima Madondo, from Harare, Zimbabwe, and Darrell Tanyaradzwa Duri, from Mutare, Zimbabwe, are the newest recipients of The Almond Tree Scholarship, established by Jonna-Lynn Knauer Mandelbaum ’69, B.S.N., M.P.H., Ph.D., in 2017. The duo joins last year’s inaugural Almond Tree recipient, Shingirai Guchu ’21, an analytical finance major with minors in computer & data science and mathematics. Guchu is from the Makoni District of Zimbabwe.

Dr. Mandelbaum’s gift established the scholarship to be awarded to students of high promise but limited financial means from sub-Saharan Africa. Almond Tree Scholars receive tuition, room, board, and taxes, as well as an annual $6,500 stipend for travel and other related expenses.

"The tremendous success Shingirai his already achieving further strengthened my belief in providing opportunities—educational, social, and cultural—to high-achieving students from countries and regions in which I served as a missionary nurse for the United Methodist Church," said Dr. Mandelbaum. "To be able to extend this same opportunity to Fatima and Darrell, who each want to make a difference when they return home after graduating from LVC, is priceless. I hope that others help me continue this life-changing scholarship."

Madondo, who will study biology and chemistry at Lebanon Valley College, lost her mother when she was one-year old; her late father inspired her to pursue a vigorous education. She attained 12 “A” grades in 12 Ordinary Levels subjects, concentrating on biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and said she plans to attend medical school or graduate school in the sciences to help make healthcare more affordable and accessible for people of all income levels in Zimbabwe.

"Having witnessed first-hand the challenges low-income families in Zimbabwe face accessing proper medical care, I am interested in collaborating with experts in the health field in bridging the gap and providing quality medical care to all patients," said Madondo.

Duri, who will study actuarial science at Lebanon Valley College, has been active in efforts to help the less fortunate through the Plan International and Concern Worldwide, a United Kingdom-based organization that supports child rights.

"I hope to continue my youth advocacy and become a philanthropist with a focus on girls, extreme poverty, and healthcare,” said Duri. “Moreover, through the study of actuarial science at LVC, I plan to gain a deep understanding of the economic phenomena and become a well-rounded economist, ultimately contributing to the transformation of Zimbabwe."

About the Almond Tree Scholarship

Through the generosity of alumna JonnaLynn Knauer Mandelbaum ’69, B.S.N., M.P.H., Ph.D., a full-tuition scholarship is now available to a student of high promise but limited financial means from sub-Saharan Africa. The Almond Tree Scholarship will cover tuition, room, board, and taxes, and include an annual $6,500 stipend for travel and other related expenses.

Please contact Matthew Weaver, director of development, at 717-867-6440 or mweaver@lvc.edu if you would like to support The Almond Tree Scholarship.