F&M Stories
Why Give? Five Inspiring Stories
Like a ripple in a pond, one financial gift can change the academic trajectory for Franklin & Marshall students and those that follow them. As the 2023-2024 fiscal year comes to a close, explore five recent stories that showcase the philanthropic spirit of Diplomats worldwide.
1. Attorney's Passion Paves Way for Students
An F&M grant enabled Karla Avelino ’01 to return to her Central American birth country and discover a passion for immigration law. A founding partner of Roger and Avelino law firm, she’s now paving the way for current and future students to find their potential.
2. Diplomat Leadership Program: Latest Steinman Foundation Initiative to Benefit F&M
Students
Over many decades, The Steinman Foundation, one of the most prominent grant-making charitable organizations in Lancaster County, has supported programs that provide opportunities for Franklin & Marshall students and benefit the broader community. Now, those opportunities have expanded with the Diplomat Leadership program.
3. Unleashing Dreams: Alethia Batchelder ’24
Meet Alethia Batchelder, a recently graduated animal behavior studies major from Maine. Her F&M journey is possible thanks to the support of the Arthur W. and Stella M. Choney Endowed Scholarship Fund.
4. Robert Mullins '91: Grateful for F&M
How do you show appreciation for an institution that worked with you through a life threatening illness to get your degree in four years? If you’re Robert “Rob” Mullins ’91, you give back to that organization in every way you can. “Franklin & Marshall College helped, and helped, and then helped some more,” Mullins recalls.
5. A New Generation of F&M Philanthropists
Lara Gillingham '23 and Hope Petralia '24, previous chairs of the Student Giving Committee, have one message: Diplomats do not need to wait until they graduate to start giving back to their school.
Could you be the next featured story?
From financial gifts to volunteering time and expertise, there are many ways to give at F&M. Explore how to give.
Donors inspire excellence at Franklin & Marshall College by supporting students, faculty
and research that benefits the entire F&M community and beyond.Giving at F&M
Related Articles
October 7, 2025
Alumni Coaches Shape New Generation of Diplomats
Nearly 40% of F&M students compete in varsity sports. Some like it so much they return to lead the next generation of Diplomats. Meet the coaches who once represented F&M as student-athletes.
October 3, 2025
DesChamps Named Board of Trustees Chair-Elect
Franklin & Marshall College is pleased to announce that Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 has been elected to become the next chair of the F&M Board of Trustees. His three-year term as Board chair will begin July 1, 2026.
October 3, 2025
Ken Mehlman ’88 Gift Creates Pathway for Leadership & Performance Lab at F&M
Ken Mehlman, Franklin & Marshall College Trustee and Board Vice Chair, is paving the way for future Diplomats to lead and perform at the highest level. With a $500,000 gift from Mehlman, F&M will develop and pilot a new Leadership & Performance Lab.