Fisher Students Receive the Excellus Diversity Scholarship

Each year, two St. John Fisher College students are selected to win the Diversity Scholarship given by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Winners are selected from a pool of students who actively participate in clubs and organizations that emphasize diversity and social justice. This year’s recipients were Sarah Errington ’21 and James Leone ’19.

Errington, who is majoring in nursing, works for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs and has previously participated in the Day of Celebration event on campus. Last year, she brought in her favorite Vietnamese food to show her appreciation of her cultural background.

“This scholarship helped to broaden my experience with diversity. I was able to understand people in a more meaningful manner,” Errington said.

Leone, a finance major, was a co-chair committee member for last year’s Day of Celebration event. His biggest inspiration for the scholarship are his parents who have stressed the importance of diversity throughout his life.

Leone was so impressed by Excellus’ efforts around diversity that he hopes to intern there this summer.

Both students were honored and awarded the scholarship at the eighth annual MLK Coexistence Dinner, held in January.

“There was no better way to share the honor of receiving the scholarship. It was a special moment and I was able to share it with my parents,” Leone said.

This article was written by Chris Murray. A senior majoring in media and communication with a minor in management, Murray is an intern with the College’s Office of Marketing and Communications.