Garwin Family Foundation

06/04/2026

GFF Alumni Update: EVAN WIGGS

We are happy to share news from GFF Alumnus Evan Wiggs who has been studying Astrophysics and Mathematics at Columbia University in New York City. While finishing up his second semester, Evan has been falling in love with the city.

“I was confident that city life wasn't for me, but to my surprise I'm now questioning whether or not I ever want to live anywhere else. I have fallen in love with this city, and I think there is something truly valuable here, whether it be life lessons or something more abstract in nature, that every young person should experience,” Evan explains.

“This summer, I'm currently enrolled in 3 courses, two of which are fulfilling my math major, and the other in fulfillment of the Columbia Core requirements,” Evan says.

“In addition to this, and I might add the most exciting news, I have received a research position with a faculty member here that is focused on particle accelerations in supernova shock systems. I'm currently working on this research problem with my PI and a faculty member at UChicago; we hope to make a publication of it within the next year. My PI, Rebecca Diesing, actually taught the same UChicago course that I took some years before me, and her research assistants at UChicago were my professors in that course (small world),” Evan reports.

“All this to say that I'm beyond excited for what the future holds, and I cannot exhaust the gratitude that I hold for the GFF in this process,” Evan says.

Great news, Evan! We are excited for you as well, and wish you much success in both your studies and your research project.

05/28/2026

“Nothing says summertime like a big, juicy hamburger.”

National Hamburger Day

05/28/2026

GFF Alumni Update: LAUREN FAKHOURY

We are happy to share news from GFF Alumnus Lauren Fakhoury who has been attending New York University. She is currently in Japan for the summer where she is teaching English, while enjoying the beautiful mountains and beaches of Japan.

Lauren talks about her time in Japan, “It has been wonderful! We hiked Mount Asahi last weekend, and I’ve been running by the ocean in the mornings,” Lauren exclaims!

This fall, Lauren will return to NYU for her last year, and plans to apply for law school.

Great news, Lauren. We are excited to hear about your stay in Japan, and wish you much success in your future studies!

05/27/2026

GFF Alumni Update: ISABELLA RATCHFORD

We are happy to share news from GFF Alumnus Isabella Ratchford who will attend the University of Rochester in New York this fall, where she will major in Molecular Genetics and Psychology, with a minor in Spanish.

Isabella talks about her past experiences as a GFF sponsored student, “I selected a program at Washington University in St. Louis for five weeks to study bioethics and the biological basis for human disease. Also, through my time at WashU, I learned the molecular processes of cancer, HIV, and diabetes. My experience through those five weeks that the GFF provided for me enhanced my passions in the fields of molecular genetics and philosophy.”

“My new path has given me the utmost excitement and optimism for my future. With support from both my family and the Garwin Foundation, I will be attending the University of Rochester in New York with a double major in Molecular Genetics and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. I have a keen interest in how genetics shapes who we are, both mentally and physically,” Isabella says.

“With high hopes for my next four years, I hope to study abroad in Puerto Rico during one of my academic years. Diversity is what makes the world spin, and learning a new language and culture would allow me to broaden my perspective, deepen my understanding of others, and allow me to grow both academically and personally. After my four years of undergrad, I will be continuing my educational path in medical school. Through hard work and dedication, my end goal is to become a pediatric surgeon and create a positive impact,” Isabella explains.

“The Garwin Family Foundation has built onto who I am today, and there is no amount of appreciation I can give to compare to the education, guidance, support, and love that they have given me. Thank you for the opportunities you have not only given me, but to all the kids who have gone through and will continue to go through the program. Your continued love and support have given me the confidence to reach beyond the stars, and I will forever cherish the eye-opening experience you have provided me,” Isabella adds.

We are excited for you as well, Isabella, as you continue your education and wish you much success!

05/25/2026

"Veterans are a symbol of what makes our nation great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure our freedom."
— Rodney Frelinghuysen

Homoring Memorial Day

05/23/2026

“Try to be like the turtle – at ease in your own shell."
—Bill Copeland

Celebrating World Turtle Day

05/23/2026

GFF Alumni Update: LAILA AL-ASFOUR

We are happy to share news from GFF Alumnus Laila Al-Asfour who will be studying Biochemistry on the pre-med track this fall at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

“I have always been interested in pursuing a career in medicine and am especially drawn to the fields of immunology and potentially allergy medicine. I hope to continue exploring how research can be integrated into healthcare and take advantage of the many opportunities available at UIUC,” Laila says.

“Although I was only able to participate in the Garwin Family Foundation Scholarship Program for one year, it played a significant role in preparing me both academically and personally for life in college. I attended the University of Chicago over the summer of 2025 to take the course ‘Contagion: Infectious Diseases and Agents.’ This experience introduced me to the structure of scientific research on a higher level through experimentation and data analysis. I worked with advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR and bacterial sequencing, which encouraged me to approach my scientific studies with a more analytical mindset. Furthermore, I found that it can be a welcome challenge to work outside my comfort zone,” Laila explains.

“Being exposed to a college-level research environment showed me how much I value curiosity and persistence in my academic work. I also gained a deeper appreciation for science as an ever-evolving process and strengthened my confidence in the path I want to take moving forward. I am very grateful to the Garwin Family Foundation for giving me a community and foundation that I will carry into college,” Laila adds.

Great work! We wish you much success, Laila, as you continue your educational journey in Biochemistry!

05/20/2026

"The hum of bees is the voice of the garden."
—Elizabeth Lawrence

Celebrating World Bee Day

05/18/2026

“A museum is a spiritual place. People lower their voices when they get close to art.”
—Mario Botta

International Museum Day

05/16/2026

We are proud to share news from Carterville High School announcing that the CHS ACES, including GFF Alumni Mollie Mandell and Tanya Arun, have been named the 2026 State Champions.

Congratulations to all... great work, students!

CHS ACES are the 2026 State Champions!!! Congratulations, we are proud of you!