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‘First-Generation' Scholarship Established Honoring SNHU’s 5th President

This is SNHU’s most successful digital crowdfunding campaign to date, raising over $215,000.
Siobhan Lopez

In honor of 21 years of transformative leadership, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recently announced the establishment of The President Paul J. LeBlanc First-Generation Scholarship Fund, named for SNHU’s 5th university president.

Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc, a first-generation graduate and industry trailblazer, led the evolution of SNHU as a small regional university to an internationally known leader in higher education, serving learners across the globe. With more than one third of SNHU students who identify as being “first-generation,” the scholarship fund was created to honor LeBlanc’s legacy and help provide financial assistance for students who are the first in their families to pursue an undergraduate college degree.

President LeBlanc's First-Generation Story

LeBlanc’s own journey as a first-generation college graduate fueled his commitment to increasing access to higher education. Having immigrated to the U.S. from Canada as a child, LeBlanc became the first in his extended family to attend college and has seen firsthand the power a college degree has to change the trajectory of one’s life. During LeBlanc’s tenure as president from 2003-2024, more than 216,000 students earned degrees from SNHU.

The scholarship honors LeBlanc’s decades of service and continues his legacy of reducing barriers and increasing opportunity for all. With overwhelming support from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university, the scholarship fund, launched in early 2024, has raised over $215,000 to support first generation learners, becoming SNHU’s most successful digital crowdfunding campaign to date.

In his final Commencement address, LeBlanc spoke directly to the graduates and shared the strong connection he’s felt with SNHU students since he first stepped foot on campus in 2003.

“Twenty-one years ago, I came to SNHU, and I felt like I was meeting myself in our students,” LeBlanc said. “You all look a lot like me in terms of our backgrounds. No one is handing it to you, no one is entitled. You work so hard. That hasn’t changed from 21 years ago, it’s as true today of all of you who are graduating.”

Learn more and celebrate President LeBlanc’s legacy and support the next generation of first-gen learners.

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About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.