Alexandra Coulibaly
When Alexandra Coulibaly received word that she would be the first recipient of the Sigma Tau Psi Scholarship, she was absolutely thrilled. At the time, little did she know that her scholarship also means a great deal to the alumni who funded it.
For Alexandra, her scholarship means that she will be able to continue her studies at SUNY Potsdam and, she hopes, eventually return to her native Africa as a physician to care for those in her country who are in desperate need of health care. Her goal is to work for “Doctors Without Borders” or possibly UNICEF.
To the brothers of Sigma Tau Psi, the process of establishing their scholarship was very meaningful. The scholarship, they said, is “a fitting and lasting tribute to the friendships that began some 50 years ago” at SUNY Potsdam. They wanted their scholarship to provide financial assistance to deserving students who exemplify the ideals set forth by the fraternity. Then, and now, the brothers aspire to “eliminate barriers among people – to transcend social, racial, national and religious differences.”
Alexandra, then, is a fitting and worthy first-recipient. A native of Ivory Coast, Africa, she came to the United States at the age of twelve with her mother, father and three siblings. “Everything was different,” she said. “New culture, new environment, new school – even new math.” She learned quickly, however, by studying after school and becoming involved in many activities at her high school, including student government, bowling and lacrosse. She also took several advanced placement classes for college credit.
She is very happy with her decision to attend SUNY Potsdam, although she admits that it is “very cold and very far from home.” It didn’t take her long to get used to it, however. “I like quiet settings,” she said, “and there are lots of places to go if I’m feeling overwhelmed and need time for myself.” She is majoring in biology and French, and she hopes to be able to study abroad next year, perhaps in France or Sweden.
Each year, Alexandra meets with several of the Sigma Tau Psi brothers and their spouses at the College’s annual Scholarship Luncheon. “I love them all,” she said. “A lot of people like me don’t get this [scholarship] opportunity. It’s wonderful to know that there are people like them who want to help others with their education.”
In the words of Jim Brewer ’71, Sigma Tau Psi alumnus and organizer of the scholarship, “Several of us have had the opportunity to meet Alexandra. She is a very impressive young lady. It makes us feel great to know that we play a small part in her dreams by helping her to stay in college. Alexandra appears to be destined to be a positive force who SUNY Potsdam and Sigma Tau Psi can be proud of.”