With financial aid as a strategic priority for the University, this family is helping provide access while also helping Sewanee become more competitive in an increasingly diverse society.
Warren, C'86, and Leslie Coleman, C’88, of Cleveland, Ohio, have established a scholarship fund they hope will support the University’s diversity initiatives in the coming years. The Coleman Family Scholarship also recognizes their multi-generational connection to Sewanee, with daughter Palmer, C’16, having also attended.
For the Colemans, the administration of Vice-Chancellor Brigety provided a significant impetus for considering a gift that would support the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. For Leslie, in particular, having experience with a DEI program at her place of employment, Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, gave her insight into how people and institutions can be transformed.
“We have been donating to Sewanee for many years—nothing big but regular. A couple of things came together. The new vice-chancellor was part of it, but also my own experience with the ASPIRE program at my school for underserved girls. I have been an administrator for the program for several years, and I see very clearly how being introduced to a privileged environment can make a huge difference in the life of a student. Seeing this program work in practice is better than knowing about it in theory, and with the new vice-chancellor, we saw a great opportunity to make a difference.”
The Colemans are hoping that their gift in some way will have an impact on diversity on campus. “If you can imagine the lack of diversity at Sewanee back in the 1980s, you can see why we believe it is important to make a statement and move forward,” says Leslie.
After graduation, Leslie worked in economic development before earning a master’s degree and launching a career in teaching. “I am a fourth-generation teacher,” she says. “I resisted it as long as I could, but in the end genetics won.” Leslie teaches English to 7th graders and loves it. “Middle school is definitely where I belong.” Among her favorite lessons are when she is teaching Shakespeare, specifically Romeo and Juliet. “I’ve taught it for 27 years, and it’s still fun. I feel like it surprises students a lot, because they understand the material as people who are moving from childhood to adolescence. Every year they come in and see my Romeo and Juliet poster and moan and groan about having to read Shakespeare, but a few days into it, they’ll say, ‘I really understand this.’”
Warren graduated with a degree in mathematics, and then went on to earn another Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, and a master's degree in both business administration and science of accounting. His career led him from managing a family business to portfolio management. Warren is also a serious audiophile and visits the Ralston Listening Library whenever the Colemans are on campus.
Palmer Coleman, who was a chemistry major at Sewanee, will graduate this spring as a Doctor of Osteopathy from Ohio University. “Palmer has a robust network of Sewanee friends,” says Leslie, “and she is very much in touch with them.”
To discuss establishing a scholarship at Sewanee, contact the Office of University Advancement by clicking here.
Contributions to this story from Victor Esparza, C’24
