Dickinson Honors Sam Rose '58 for Life-Changing Philanthropy
![Samuel G. Rose '58 delivers brief remarks during the garden dedication ceremony.](/images/sam_rose_garden_dedication_video_graphic.jpg")
Samuel G. Rose '58 delivers brief remarks during the garden dedication ceremony.
Video by Stephen Munchel
Businessman, philanthropist celebrated during campus ceremony
Summary by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
The Dickinson community recently gathered to honor philanthropist and businessman Samuel G. Rose ’58. A longtime advocate for social and environmental justice, Rose creates life-changing opportunities at Dickinson through his generous support of scholarships, environmental activism, athletics and the campus and college community. During the afternoon ceremony in his honor, generations of Dickinsonians expressed heartfelt thanks for his far-reaching philanthropy.
The event was held in the gardens of Dickinson’s John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center. Now known as the Samuel G. Rose ’58 Gardens, the grounds are home to a glittering statue—one of more than 20 works from Rose's personal collection that he recently gifted to the college.
“Sam's life informs us all how to be better people, and that one person can indeed change the world." —President John E. Jones III '77, P'11
The ceremony, said President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, was all about celebrating the fruits of Rose's "genuine concern for providing access and outstanding educational opportunities for deserving young people, as well as his boundless optimism for what this liberal-arts institution can offer the world."
“Sam's life informs us all how to be better people, and that one person can indeed change the world," the president added, referencing Rose’s environmental advocacy at Dickinson and the transformative effects he’s had on his alma mater through support of scholarships, facilities, athletics and other initiatives.
Carlo Robustelli, vice president for college advancement, spoke to the driving forces behind Rose's support of a Dickinson education. “You are not someone who sees a problem and just sits there as a bystander,” Robustelli observed, speaking directly to the honoree. “You do something, you get involved, you make investments, you get behind people.”
The event also included moving remarks from several beneficiaries of those investments.
“I can't wait until it's my turn to change students' lives the way you, Sam, have changed mine.” —Maya Bondarenko '27
“Sam, your generosity and kindness have made the most profound impact on my life,” said Diana Zeppos ’28, who earned a scholarship to Dickinson as a Rose Scholar. “Without a person like you in the world, I would've never discovered my place here at Dickinson.”
“You have changed my life 180 degrees,” said Yelyzaveta Buriak ’27, an international student and scholarship recipient.
Emilie Cook ’04 testified to the enduring effects of scholarship support, explaining that her scholarship unlocked “a foundation for a lifetime of experiences and opportunities.”
Maya Bondarenko ’27, an international Rose Scholar, and Amiya Marbles ’25, a Rose Scholar, already have those ripple effects in their sights. “Without Sam Rose’s philanthropy and his goal to diversify campus, I wouldn’t be able to start my own legacy,” said Marbles. “I can't wait until it's my turn to change other students' lives the way you, Sam, have changed mine,” Bondarenko said.
Called on to share a few words, Rose recalled the scholarship he received as a first-generation college student from Baltimore. He also said it's gratifying to meet a new generation of scholarship awardees. "It means a lot to me," he said.
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Published October 24, 2024