Couple Creates Memories Now, and a Legacy Forever
From left to right: Yenci Flores, Greis Mucollari, Daniel Gropper, Dean of the Florida Atlantic University College of Business, James Paris, Mary Ann Cook, her niece, Mickie Daglaris, Alande Choute and Mariam Ashanti
Five years ago, Richard and Mary Ann Cook established a scholarship for undergraduate students at Florida Atlantic University who were in the same position the couple was in when they attended college— first-generation students from Fort Lauderdale, hoping to come to Florida Atlantic and major in business.
Today, the Cook Scholars are like family to Richard ’71 and Mary Ann ’69. The Cooks talk with the students frequently, mentor them and continue to open doors that expand their futures.
Alande Choute, who now works in cybersecurity at Kaufman Rossin, was the first Cook Scholar, receiving her award in 2018. She and the Cooks met at a lunch hosted by Florida Atlantic that year and established a strong bond. The Cooks considered it such a joy that they began a tradition of gathering with all the Cook Scholars each year for a luncheon.
“I come to these lunches, and the good feeling stays with me to the following year,” Mary Ann Cook said. The Cooks are among the many donors building a legacy of scholarships and student success at Florida Atlantic University.
Alande recalls feeling overwhelmed wondering how she would pay for college when she learned she had received the scholarship.
“The impact this scholarship had on my life has been amazing,” she said. “When it comes to being first-generation, we don’t have the resources at home. Mary Ann and Dick became mentors to me. I didn’t expect to develop a relationship with my scholarship donors. But they shared some of their story. They were first gen as well. I’ve been keeping in contact with them ever since. I share all my milestones with them. In fact, they helped me get my first job out of college.”
Greis Mucollari, valedictorian of the Cooks’ alma mater, became the second Cook Scholar. His conversations with Richard Cook helped guide his own fledgling business, which set him up to walk away from college with savings instead of debt.
James Paris, who Richard Cook also has taken time to mentor, is majoring in business management. The pair swapped stories about struggles to complete school, James said.
“This scholarship means a lot,” James said. “My freshman year was the hardest. I was pretty shocked at how much I had to pay for college. The first time I met the Cooks, we chatted about Dick working at IBM while he was in school. He also sent me some information about the work he’s doing now. It’s pretty cool to know all the work he’s done in the business world in the past.”
For Yenci Flores, who is majoring in management information systems, the Cook scholarship enabled her to stay in school full-time.
“I have a single mother. She works every day,” Yenci said. “Before this, we were just trying to make ends meet. I consider this a blessing. I don’t have to worry about having to work because of their help.”
The Cooks established their scholarship with a blended gift, which has enabled them to interact with the Cook Scholars during their lifetimes as well as ensure that their scholarship continues in perpetuity.
“A lot of people make just a planned gift, so they never have the ability to experience the reward of it,” Mary Ann Cook said. “Actually, giving in my lifetime, for me, has been so good. For a couple that never had any children, I’ve now got this whole diverse family. It’s wonderful!”
Give the Gift of Education
Like the Cooks, you can remove financial barriers and empower our students to pursue their dreams. Contact Kristina Gregg, CFRE, at 561-297-2058 or k.gregg@fau.edu to discuss how your legacy can help Florida Atlantic University Transcend Tomorrow.