Larry Roper

As a proud graduate of Heidelberg, I am deeply grateful for the transformative impact Heidelberg had on my personal growth and development. The Heidelberg experience shaped who I am, and I feel strong calling to give back to the institution that gave so much to me.

In honor of my mother and grandmother, my wife and I established a scholarship to continue their legacy of service and support for young people. Both of these remarkable women dedicated their lives to uplifting others — my mother through her 25-year career with the Community Action Agency, ensuring that families and her retirement, volunteered as a Foster Grandparent with the Akron Summit Community Action Agency and the Akron Developmental Child Care Center. At the age 83 and 86, she also earned recognition as "Adult Volunteer of the Year." Their commitment to education and community service was unwavering, and the scholarship we created reflects just that so their legacy can live on.

I encourage my fellow alumni to consider how Heidelberg shaped their journey and to find ways to pay it forward. Establishing a scholarship, making a gift — there are meaningful ways to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities we did or better! Our Sweet Alma Home gave us so much; now, it's our turn to give back and what better time than now when we are celebrating our 50th class reunion!