BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford brought together scholarship donors and recipients Friday at its annual Donor Scholarship Luncheon, giving the two groups an opportunity to meet, share a meal, and hear one another’s stories firsthand.

The gathering celebrated a significant impact on students’ lives: so far during the 2025-26 academic year, 388 students have received $718,433 in donor scholarships, with the average award totaling $1,300.

The featured donor speaker was Melissa Walker, mother of Khalil “KJ” Walker, a Pitt-Bradford senior who died in a traffic accident shortly after Christmas in 2016. Walker set up an annual scholarship in her son’s memory in 2020 and addressed the assembled donors about what drove her to do so.

She recalled that Khalil had arrived at Pitt-Bradford as a quiet, shy young man — which made it more meaningful to watch him come into his own. She and her husband, Henry “Hank” Walker, were surprised when he declared himself a broadcast communications major, joined the Student Activities Council, and eventually served as master of ceremonies for a student event. At the time of the accident, Khalil had been preparing to study abroad in Japan that spring, working with his father’s construction company over winter break to earn money for the trip. Both Khalil and his father were struck from behind; Hank Walker also died in the accident.

Walker said she started the scholarship to keep her son’s memory and legacy alive at Pitt-Bradford. “It brings me much joy when I receive letters from recipients,” she said.

Two scholarship recipients also addressed the group: Hadassa Guerrier, a junior psychology major from Coopersburg, Pa., and Spencer Pantelas, a senior criminal justice major from Pittsburgh.

Rick Esch, president of Pitt-Bradford, announced new scholarships and funds created since last year’s luncheon, including the Carroll Family Scholarship, the Donny Johnson Assistant Coaching Staff Endowment Fund, the Bo Ray Nunn Memorial Scholarship, and the Pitt-Bradford Clays Target Team Endowment. Esch closed with a message of gratitude to the donors in attendance. “I hope you take great comfort in knowing that your scholarships provide a wealth of opportunities for students,” he said.