Recently, Elizabethtown College received a $2.5 million gift pledge, the largest toward an endowed scholarship by a living donor in College history, from Robert ‘74 and Karen Rigg.

The gift supports the Rigg Family Chester County Futures Scholarship. Established in 2018, this scholarship provides full room, board, and tuition for up to eight semesters, to one underrepresented or first-generation student from either Chester or Berks counties each year that attends Elizabethtown College. To date, three students, Freddie Sanchez Govea ’23, Alexander Fox ’24, and Heizel Monterrosa-Guevara ’25 have been named recipients of the scholarship.

In Photo (L to R): Alexander Fox ’24, Karen Rigg, Robert Rigg ’74, Freddie Sanchez Govea ’23, Heizel Monterrosa-Guevara ’25

“We are grateful to the Riggs who have invested in furthering the education for first-generation students to attend our institution,” Elizabethtown College President Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D. said. “Their commitment and support will offer students an opportunity to gain a high-quality education and student-life experience to lead productive and purposeful careers.”

The scholarship is closely tied to the Chester County Futures program to which Bob and Karen are also dedicated supporters. The Chester County Futures program offers direct program support and services through after-school academic enrichment meetings, mentoring, and post-secondary scholarship support to economically disadvantaged Chester County students. Students who have completed the Chester County Futures “Passport to College” program receive preference in the Rigg Scholarship application process.

“We have for decades been supporters of causes involving youth,” Bob said. “Giving forward is something Karen and I think is extremely important if we want to help create change.”

Students who receive the scholarship also are expected to participate in Elizabethtown College’s Momentum Program. Etown’s Momentum program introduces incoming students to the College’s robust curriculum through real-world learning opportunities and acclimates them to the college environment. Through an examination of a wide variety of academic disciplines, students learn how to navigate through curriculum requirements, think critically, develop research and writing skills, engage in creative expression, and find a balance between academic responsibility and co-curricular involvement.

“Karen and I have supported the Momentum program because of its mission,” said Bob. “We believe in the program immensely and we’ve seen it yield such great results. As we saw the two programs develop, it just seemed a wonderful combination.”

An alum of Elizabethtown College, Bob is Chairman and a Business Risk Consultant at The Rigg Darlington Group. Karen is also Senior Assistant Account Manager for the firm. Bob graduated from Elizabethtown College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

View more details about the Rigg Chester County Futures Scholarship College’s Financial Aid website and Elizabethtown College admissions.