The Comcast Foundation and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter honored two local students with the Gus Amsterdam Leadership Award at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mayoral Luncheon. Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen presented Sharon Roy and Viviana Ullola with individual $5,000 scholarship awards at the luncheon.
Finalists for the Gus Amsterdam Leadership Awards are chosen from the winners of the Comcast Foundation’s Leaders and Achievers scholarships. The nationwide Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program recognizes students for academic achievement, leadership skills and a commitment to community service. The Gus Amsterdam award targets students who attended public high school in Philadelphia and are continuing their education at a college or university in the city.
Sharon Roy graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls and currently attends Temple University, where she is studying kinesiology in hopes of one day becoming a physician’s assistant or physical therapist. Sharon was on the honor roll throughout all four years of high school, and she regularly volunteered at St. John Neumann Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare. “I just paid the first installment of my tuition for next semester,” Sharon said. “Without this scholarship, I might not have been able to afford it.”
Viviana Ullola is a graduate of the Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School and is currently studying business at La Salle University, where she was accepted into the Academic Discovery Program. Of her eight siblings, Viviana is the third to go to college. She hopes to start a nonprofit of her own one day, with a focus on continuing education for adults and seniors. “This was the first scholarship I received,” Viviana said. “I was really surprised and proud, and it gave me the confidence to apply for other scholarships, too.”
Gus Amsterdam was a Philadelphia business leader, community advocate, and founding board member of Comcast Corporation. He dedicated much of his time and energy to the community, and to improving education. A graduate of Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania, Gus was committed to civic and educational activities in Philadelphia throughout his life.
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