91����

For the past 25 years, the Julian and Robert J. Lake Scholarship has given 91���� students unforgettable experiences on campus and set them up for lives of service and stewardship after graduation. 

Established by Gilmour Lake �58 in honor of his father, Julian Lake �28 and brother Robert Lake �66, the scholarship has helped the children and relatives of Presbyterian ministers attend 91����. 

Being a Lake Scholar means far more than just financial support. Scholars over the years share common experiences: dinners on campus with the Lake family, swapped stories and, famously, a copy of Julian Lake�s memoirs, compiled by Gilmour and given to the scholars each year.  

Whether they came from nearby or moved across the country for college, the Lakes made sure their scholars had a second home, an active support system and an extra family to cheer them on. These four Lake scholars, whose 91���� years span more than two decades, all witnessed the Lakes� kindness and generosity. Today, they reflect on their 91���� experiences and the scholarship that made them possible. 

Growing up, teacher Lalla Renwick Marquez �03 hoped to attend 91���� like her uncle, Rev. Andy Langford �75. Her heart was set on 91����, but it seemed financially out of reach until she learned about the Lake Scholarship. That opportunity led to a college experience that would shape the rest of her life. 

�At first, I didn�t know anything about the Lakes,� she said, �But every year, they hosted a dinner at their home. They were immediately so warm and caring, and they made it easy to get to know them.�

As a first-year, Marquez met her now husband, Diego �03, on the swim and dive team. Other highlights of her time at 91���� include joining Warner Hall, helping to launch a bioethics group on campus and spending a semester studying abroad in Scotland. 

Gilmour and Nancy remained a source of support and connection at 91���� during Marquez�s year working as a fellow in the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement. They stayed in touch when she moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a master�s degree in elementary education. They attended her wedding in 2007. 

�91���� showed me how much relationships matter,� said Marquez, who has taught fourth grade for the past 17 years. �At the end of the day, it�s relationships that people remember.�

Ross Kruse �17 grew up outside of New York City, where his mom served as a Presbyterian pastor. 91���� was far from his family, but with 91���� Presbyterian Church (DCPC) nearby and a community of warmth surrounding him, campus felt like home.

Receiving the Lake Scholarship made 91���� an even more obvious choice. Kruse looked forward to the Lake dinners each year, where he could enjoy a big family meal and get to know the other scholars. 

�It was like having grandparents in town,� he said. �I always knew I had someone in my corner celebrating each little win with genuine excitement and pride. Each year, the senior scholar had to open dinner with a prayer. Coming in as an 18 year old and watching the seniors give their prayers until suddenly it�s your turn � that was a unique and powerful experience.�

As a young alum, Kruse keeps in touch with the Lakes whenever he can. A few years ago, he, Gilmour and Nancy attended the A-10 men�s basketball tournament together in Washington, D.C. 

Today, Kruse lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Bridget Lavender �18, who he met post-graduation through another 91���� alum. He works in data analytics, an interest he can trace directly back to his time doing �Cats Stats for the 91���� men�s basketball team, and stays involved with the NYC alumni chapter in his free time.

�I was able to attend 91���� because of the Lakes,� he said. �The impact of their generosity will be felt for the rest of my life.�