Sending a child off to college for the first time brings a wide range of emotions for parents.
For Tony and Pat Trunzo, learning that their eldest son, Will Trunzo BA ’25, selected a liberal arts education during COVID—and a place close to home in Lewis & Clark—brought pride in their son’s thoughtful decision and an overarching reassurance that Will would be okay.
“We feel strongly as a family about the value of a liberal arts education,” says Tony Trunzo. “I’ve been in business 40 years, and the two essential elements I find in successful people are intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Liberal arts colleges like Lewis & Clark are important to society because they develop these skills in their students and prepare them well for careers and lives well lived. We have absolutely seen this with Will during his years at Lewis & Clark.
The Trunzos are L&C Parents Fund Ambassadors—that is, parents who donate at least $5,000 per year to the college over their student’s four-year educational journey. Parents Fund Ambassador contributions support innovative academic programs, student- faculty research, internships, experiential learning, investment in the arts, and ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.
“Pat and I grew up without strong higher education role models, and we know that our children have tremendous privilege,” says Tony Trunzo. “Though we appreciate the grant Will received when he chose Lewis & Clark, by returning the scholarship back to the school [through the Parents Fund Ambassadors], we hope it will become easier for the school to fund other students who have greater need for financial support.”
“We also know that Lewis & Clark does not have a large endowment, so it is important to support the school’s annual operations,” he says. “We absolutely want to see L&C prosper.”
“Will has had a terrific experience at Lewis & Clark, from an inspiring academic journey to realizing his dream of playing college football to writing for the Mossy Log. We feel like the school has set him up for real success in life, and for that we are grateful.”
To make a gift to the Parents Fund Ambassadors, please contact Lauren Creany, director of donor engagement, at 503-768-7963 or lcreany@lclark.edu.
