Circle of Philanthropy: Scholarship Dinner Highlights Impact of Giving

March 31, 2026

Authored by:

Nick Erickson

When she was a first-year, first-generation college student, doubt cast a shadow over Zoie Nieto. Did she belong? What did she want to do when she grew up? Who was she, even?

But those moments of uncertainty offered clarity and helped her rediscover what-or rather, who-inspires her: her sister, Isabella.

Isabella was born with Trisomy 18, a rare genetic disorder where only about 5 to 10% of diagnosed infants live beyond their first year of life. She would live four years longer than anyone expected, despite going straight from hospital to hospice care after birth.

Although Isabella never learned to speak or walk, she showed Nieto the importance of empathy, compassion, understanding and just being present. Nieto said that Isabella, without even ever saying a single word, shaped the way she saw the world and ultimately inspired a path into medicine.

As a medical student at the George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nieto received the Flynn Family Adopt-A-Doc Scholarship, allowing her to pursue those passions in honor of her late sister. Established in 2014 by Thomas Flynn, M.D. '86, and Susan Scherbel, the fund focuses on reducing medical student loan debt and ensures that financial need never stands in the way of a student's commitment to serve the greater good.

"Because of my scholarship, I've been able to pursue that path and take full advantage of the opportunities here at GW," said Nieto, who delivered remarks Friday at the annual Celebration of Scholarships and Fellowships Dinner. She was seated with Scherbel at the dinner, as the night annually provides an in-person opportunity for donors to meet student beneficiaries.

Thanks to the Flynn Family Adopt-A-Doc Scholarship, GW medical student Zoie Nieto has been able to more freely pursue her passions in the field. (Abby Greenawalt)

With financial burdens eased by the scholarship, Nieto has served in the student-run clinic as a patient navigator and later as director of clinical relations. Being in D.C. has allowed her to work with a diverse patient population, helping her see life through new lenses and gain a different understanding of people and their perspectives.

She remembers one patient in particular who was feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders, juggling her health, her children's health, daycare costs and insurance. Nieto provided the listening ear that the patient needed, and she thanked Nieto on the way out for the help. But Nieto remembered thinking she didn't really do anything-she didn't prescribe medicine, create a treatment plan, or even counsel her.

But she listened and showed empathy, values Isabella instilled in her long ago. And that, she realized, is providing care. Those moments helped shape her understanding of medicine in a meaningful and transformative way, and she expressed her gratitude for the donors who have made this experience-which is deeply personal to her-possible.

"For me…it also means carrying on Isabella's legacy in the best way I know how: by having the honor and privilege of caring for others," said Nieto, who is also co-president of the Pathology Student Interest Group and a leader in the Medical Humanities Scholarly Concentration. "Thank you for investing in our futures and making paths like mine possible. We are deeply grateful, and we look forward to giving back to our communities throughout our careers."

Nieto was one of 270 attendees, including scholarship donors, recipients, and GW leadership, at the dinner Friday night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown.

The annual gathering, launched in 2009, is a signature event for GW Advancement and the highlight of the year for many donors, who look forward to one-on-one interactions with the students who receive their scholarship support. The event also allows GW to recognize and express gratitude to donors who support student financial aid, and to reinforce the messages ofOpen Doors: The Centuries Initiative for Scholarships and Fellowshipsto increase access to GW through awareness and engagement, and the Third Century Scholarship Endowment Match.

GW currently provides more than $325 million in financial support to students each year.

"Our goal is not only to educate but to cultivate individuals who are prepared to navigate uncertainty, bridge differences and lead with purpose," said President Ellen M. Granberg. "When we remove financial barriers, we do more than open the doors of a GW education; we empower students to fully engage with D.C.'s rich opportunities, make way for them to take intellectual risks and develop the confidence and adaptability that leadership demands."

Scholarship students Read Brown (l), Sadee Gedse, Matteo de Laurentiis and Michael Bekele. (Liz Lynch)

Speaking at his first Celebration of Scholarships and Fellowships dinner since his appointment last June, Vice President for University Advancement David Unruh noted that GW is at a pivotal moment of transformation, including building out a strategic framework, refreshing its brand and developing a campus plan.

He said these are sure signs that GW has its eye on the future and that nights celebrating the investment in students help underscore its driving purpose.

"Looking around this room, we see the complete circle of philanthropy: the vision of those who give, and the incredible potential of those who receive," Unruh said. "To our donors, thank you. Thank you for your belief in our university and in our community. A scholarship or fellowship does more than cover credits. It eases the financial burden that can limit a student's dreams. It gives them freedom to focus on what they can become."

Michael Bekele, a student in GW's dual-degree 4+1 program concurrently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychological and brain sciences and a Master of Science in international business, is one such student.

Outside of his classroom work, Bekele is a proactive entrepreneur who founded ABOL Group, a holding company focused on business development and emerging market opportunities. Through ABOL Group, Bekele recently launched a specialized newsletter tracking the development of Ethiopian Securities Exchange, positioning himself at the forefront of East African financial news, an experience he has found especially impactful.

By receiving the Arias Family Endowed Scholarship, which provides vital financial assistance to students in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Bekele has been able to freely pursue his innovative journey.

Established in 2025 by Anthony "Tony" Arias, B.A. '11, founder and CEO of Arias Capital Partners and chief strategy officer of GMH Asset Management, the fund ensures that the next generation of leaders and aspiring scholars have the resources and support necessary to turn their academic ambitions into reality.

"It's an amazing opportunity to be given the scholarship; it gives me a chance to focus on my education and my entrepreneurial endeavors," said Bekele, who attended the dinner with Arias.

"For all GW donors, I want to say thank you. It really does mean a lot, and it is really impactful for all GW students."

One GW, Many Stories: Giving Day Returns April 7