Guidelines for Scholarship Recipient Thank You Letters to Donors

Your personal letter to your scholarship donor is very important for a number of reasons.  It is, of course, good manners to thank anyone who has given you a gift.  In this case, you have received a gift from a stranger, which is even more impressive.  Let the donor get to know you via your letter. The more heartfelt, the better!

Please include the name of your scholarship in the first paragraph of your letter and be sure to address it to the proper donor(s).  Suggestions of topics you may want to cover in your letter are:

• Your name, class year, campus address (if applicable) and permanent home address;
• If you are a dependent student:  Where you are from, how many siblings you have, and any other background information you think may be of interest;
• If you are an independent student: Community involvement, employment, marital status, number of children, and any other background information you think is of interest;
• Course of study at Siena, career aspirations, favorite courses/professors/Friars, extra-curricular activities, academic successes;
• How you feel the Franciscan tradition at Siena has influenced your life;
• What the benefit of a Siena education means to you;
• Your sincerest gratitude for their generosity and the opportunity it has provided to you. 
• You may even want to include a recent photo of yourself.

It is preferred that you send your letter in a WORD DOCUMENT via email to aid@siena.edu . You may also fax to 518-783-2410 or mail to Ms. Mary K. Lawyer, Assistant Vice President for The Office of Financial Aid, Siena College, 515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or deliver to McGuire Hall. 

If you have any questions, please contact Financial Aid at 518-783-2427 or email at aid@siena.edu.