Bridget Terrones ’12

 

Imagine pulling up to Starbucks, putting in your order and learning that someone surprised you and covered the cost of your order in the drive thru. The question then crosses your mind about if you should pass it on, in hopes that many people continue to do so after you. How many people would that touch? How many days were brightened? How many lives were impacted? For Bridget Terrones ’12, giving back to her alma mater is similar to this exciting concept. 

 

When Bridget (Folliard) Terrones reads the words of the Lewis University Mission, she sees things that are also a part of her own personal mission. It’s those connections that have inspired her to establish an annual scholarship and ignite a change in the lives of future Flyers.

 

“Just as Lewis seeks to provide to a diverse student population through programs for a professional education, I too desire to support diverse students in their educational pursuits, specifically women. According to the Wall Street Journal, in spring 2021, 59.5% percent of college students were women, an all-time high. It’s more important now than ever to bring support to those women who in addition to facing odds against them based on their gender, are also most likely facing additional barriers including financial ones.”

 

As a Lewis alumna who received generous financial support that made her dream of a college education possible, she is happy to return the favor to the next generation by paying it forward.

 

“Anyone who knows me well knows that I value education and support lifelong learning,” adds Bridget. “And that means making education accessible to anyone who possesses the drive and determination to pursue it—no financial barriers should stand in the way of that. My Lewis experience is what inspired me to establish the Bridget Folliard Terrones Annual Scholarship. I know firsthand what it’s like to have hopes and dreams but not all the means readily available to make them a reality. It feels like you’re climbing a mountain at times. This next generation is our future, and we need them, as well as their creativity and drive, to help make a difference in our world.”

 

Bridget oftentimes reflects on all the people that have impacted her life in some way, shape or form which inspires her to do the same for others. She established this scholarship in hopes to provide extra financial support to young women in pursuit of their dreams, specifically those in the College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Communications which is where she graduated from almost ten years ago.

 

For almost two years, Bridget has served as an Alumni Representative – giving back her time, treasure and talent in various capacities. Through this program, she has been able to attend calls with the college deans and play a critical role to help enhance the future of the university and its programs for students. This recently established annual scholarship is a true testament to Bridget’s passion for lifelong learning and true commitment to the Mission at Lewis. She hopes it will remove potential financial barriers of future Flyers and help them along their journey to success.

 

“I want the next generation to understand that there is a network of over 50,000 alumni to support them in their endeavors. To steal words from the great Walt Disney, ‘Your dreams can happen if you have the courage to pursue them.’ I hope this scholarship impacts many, including others who are also able to give back in one way or another and further inspire our students’ futures.”

 

After kickstarting her career through internships at CBS Radio and the American Academy of Periodontology, Bridget went on to earn her MBA from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She now works at the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) as their director of integrated marketing.