SU alum donates $1.2 million to Maxwell for graduate student scholarships
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Syracuse University alumna Nancy Mattison donated $1.2 million to the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs to fund scholarships for graduate students, the university announced in a Saturday release.
The Nancy Mattison ’69 Endowed Graduate Scholarship, enhanced by the Syracuse Promise scholarship initiative, will provide financial assistance to Maxwell graduate students, especially those pursuing a master’s degree in international relations. Mattison, who earned her undergraduate degree in international studies from SU in 1969, said her gift is designed to encourage students to take risks.
“Financing one’s education always presents challenges, and some may forego a graduate program for that reason,” Mattison said in the release. “This gift is intended to help allow a student to engage in graduate studies sooner rather than later.”
In her professional career, Mattison worked for several domestic and international organizations before launching The Mattison Group, an international consultancy specializing in healthcare policy and strategy.
Maxwell Dean David Van Slyke said Mattison is “the embodiment of what it means to be a global citizen,” citing her career focus of improving global health and philanthropy, allowing students to pursue meaningful careers.
“Nancy’s foresight is aligned with Syracuse University’s historic commitment to providing opportunities to talented students who dream big but need some support to deliver on those dreams,” Chancellor Mike Haynie said in the release.
Mattison said she wanted the gift to have a lasting impact. She hopes the fund will inspire new generations to “pass on the best of humanity,” according to the release.
“Without reliable leaders, and thoughtful voters, the future is bleak,” Mattison said. “Maxwell offers outstanding programs that are invaluable. Supporting that seemed to me to be just the right choice, particularly at this point in history.”
