When Destini Bresette, ’29, was growing up, one question weighed on her mind: “How will I ever pay for college?”
Coming from a large family, Destini knew there wasn’t a college fund waiting for her. She had dreams of pursuing Musical Theatre, but the cost of higher education made the path forward uncertain.
Receiving a Bicentennial Fund scholarship to SUNY Fredonia made the difference.
For Destini, the scholarship meant more than financial assistance. It meant the opportunity to pursue her passion, discover her place in the SUNY Fredonia community and work toward the future she had imagined for herself.
“I’m a small part of something bigger, and even though I am a small part, my presence here still does matter,” Destini says.
At Fredonia, Destini is finding more than an education. Through Musical Theatre, she is discovering the power of performance to bring people together, create connections and help individuals feel that they belong. She hopes to use her time at Fredonia to help others find that same sense of purpose and belonging.
Destini’s story is just one example of the meaningful impact that the Bicentennial Fund has had on Fredonia students.
Established in celebration of 200 years of higher education at Fredonia, the Bicentennial Fund provides scholarships for incoming students and supports programming that helps students persist, overcome barriers and successfully complete their degrees. For students like Destini, these resources can make the difference between wondering whether college is possible and having the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The impact is already significant. For the 2026–27 academic year, 70 students received a total of $140,000 in Bicentennial Scholarships. Since the first scholarships were awarded in Fall 2023, Fredonia has awarded 209 Bicentennial Scholarships totaling $423,357. Behind every number is a student with aspirations, challenges and the potential to make a difference.
The Bicentennial Fund carries that legacy forward by opening doors for the next generation. Many students, including first-generation college students, face financial uncertainty as they consider higher education. Scholarships help ease that burden, allowing students to focus on their education, explore their passions and build meaningful connections.
Support of the Bicentennial Fund helps to ensure that opportunity continues for future generations. Every gift helps create a future where students like Destini can pursue their dreams, discover their purpose and know that they belong.
When we invest in students, we invest in everything they will go on to do. Make a gift today online.
