Stamps Scholar Sanaa Alam

For graduating senior Sanaa Alam of Lafayette, La., earning the Stamps Scholarship—LSU’s most generous scholarship—has equipped her to pave a successful pathway to a career focused on improving vulnerable populations’ access to quality healthcare. In addition to covering tuition and housing in full, Stamps Scholars receive enrichment funds to support experiences like studying abroad and participating in competitive internships. Alam, a biological sciences student, has invested her Stamps Scholar funding into lifechanging experiences both on campus and overseas.

“Receiving the Stamps Scholarship has meant everything to me,” Alam shared. “It has given my family and me financial freedom, which not only took away the stress of paying for college but also allowed me to spend more of my time and energy on making the most of my college experience.”

She added, “I have been able to act as a student-leader across campus, serve the greater Baton Rouge community, conduct and present research, complete public health internships, and so much more because I had the privilege of pursuing my passions and interests in college, rather than worrying about finances.”

International learning opportunities have cemented Alam’s career aspirations. The summer of 2019 was a particularly transformative period of firsts for her. She used enrichment funding to attend her first study abroad program at Oxford University under the guidance of Drew Arms, D.Phil., associate dean of the LSU Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College. That same summer, Alam was introduced to real-world public health training as a medical and dental intern in Honduras with the nonprofit organization Global Brigades. She lived and worked in a rural community and studied under medical professionals as they cared for the residents.

“My proudest accomplishment at LSU is receiving the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship to study Urdu during summer 2021,” said Alam. “While the program took place virtually instead of in person in India due to COVID-19, it was still an invaluable experience. In addition, the language skills I gained motivated me to use the last of my Stamps Scholar enrichment funds on a trip to Pakistan this past winter break. There, I taught English and general knowledge classes at an orphanage in Lahore—it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”

As a Pakistani American, Alam grew up vacationing in the region with her family, so it was eye-opening and fulfilling to work with children there and make a positive difference in their lives. She appreciates the impact philanthropy has had on her journey as an LSU student and as a global citizen. In reflecting upon donors’ impact on her and her peers, Alam shared, “Thank you so much for giving me the resources and confidence to pursue my passions. I do not know where I would be without your generosity, and I will always be grateful for the doors you have opened for me. I will spend my life trying to give you a return on your investment in me by making a positive impact in this world, specifically through a career in public health.”

Without the generosity of women like YOU, many Tigers would not have access to extraordinary opportunities that pave the way to graduation and career success. Imagine how your generosity could enhance the experience of an ambitious and deserving student like Sanaa. Learn more about making an impact by contacting Krista Allen Raney at 225-578-4518 or kallen@lsufoundation.org.