Shehan McFadden
Tulane University

Degrees: BA in Anthropology and Philosophy with Minors in Spanish and Religious Studies

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
With the Stamps Scholarship, I have been able to accomplish so much in my undergraduate experience. I was able to study abroad and attend conferences in my fields. I was able to get involved across my campus and participate in a wide variety of organizations. I made incredible friends through the scholarship and meet people from all over the county. I think without the scholarship I would not have been able to do so many of the things that have been foundational to my experience and I am so grateful to the Stamps Foundation for the opportunity.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
The path isn’t always straightforward, but it will get you where you need to go. It’s not always easy; it’s not always simple; it’s not always obvious, but just keep going. You’ll get there eventually.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
There have been so many people who have had such a huge impact on me in so many different ways. To name just a few: Dr. Ronna Burger who has always inspired such a love of knowledge and a love of learning; Dr. Red Tremmel who has given me such incredible support and guidance when I needed it most; Dr. Allison Truitt who has helped me find my path forward and been an incredible mentor; Dr. Charlotte Maheu Vail who has always had the answers I’ve needed; too many more to name.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
Three other Stamps scholars and I got together and painted letters for our doors. We listened to music (which I was teased for) and snacked and hung out. By the end of it, we each had made something and had a great time together.

What comes next?
I’m attending the University of Chicago in the Master’s of the Arts Program in Social Sciences and studying anthropology.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“It is not your responsibility to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it” -Rabbi Tarfon (Pirkei Avot 2:16)