The Gordon A. Rich Memorial Foundation (“GAR”) was created to honor the memory of Gordon Rich. Gordon was an individual of extraordinary talent, energy and persistence with a passion for life. He was extremely bright, hard working, a superb athlete, an accomplished pianist, a master chef and wine connoisseur, an advisor to corporations and their leaders and a loving father and husband. His effusive personality combined with a genuine interest in the well being of others yielded him a plethora of friends from all walks of life.
GAR’s mission is to award grants to support the higher education goals of its recipients. The recipients of GAR scholarships are exceptionally qualified high school students with demonstrated financial need whose parents or guardians have, or had, a career in the financial services industry.
Applicants to the Gordon A. Rich Memorial Scholarship Program must be:
• Applicants must be dependent* children of full-time employees in the financial services industry (commercial banks, investment banks, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, fund and asset management companies, credit card and finance companies and similar businesses as determined by the Foundation). Employees must be presently employed with five years of experience OR no longer employed in this field but had ten years of experience which ended no longer than five years prior to the program closing date
*Dependent children are defined as natural and legally adopted children or step-children living in the employee’s household and who are primarily supported by the employee
• Be currently enrolled as high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four year college or university in the U.S.
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), and rank in the top 20% of class
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Students must be a US citizen or legal resident
If selected as a recipient, the student will receive up to a $12,500 award. Up to seven awards will be granted. Award distribution and number of awards granted are subject to change per the Gordon A. Rich Foundation based on funds available.
Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and an annual review by the Gordon A. Rich Memorial Foundation of recipient’s progress. This will include a detailed update of the recipient’s projects and activities during the course of the academic year.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:
• Academic record
• Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
• Work experience
• A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
• Unusual personal or family circumstances
• An online recommendation
• Essay of 500 words or less
The essay topic: Drawing on your own interests, accomplishments and experiences, tell how you’ve embodied the passion, spirit and ideals exemplified in the life of Gordon A. Rich. (Information about Mr. Rich is available on the Gordon A. Rich website
