Leaders in the Making

Setting an example

Born to a mother who grew up in Trinidad and a father whose great-grandparents were slaves, Hezekiah Branch, A21, was raised in Roxbury, Massachusetts. “For someone of my background to be at a prestigious institution like Tufts feels like a dream,” he said. Now a computer science major and participant in the Tisch Scholars leadership development program, Branch is helping coordinate the Tufts Peace Games through the Leonard Carmichael Society. He hopes to become a machine learning engineer and create a global nonprofit teaching youth the technical skills necessary to solve issues in their communities. “I always find myself searching for my own truths, while also trying to set an example for the younger generations,” he said. The Fastiff Scholarship has shown him that other Tufts alumni feel the same. “I am extremely grateful to be a recipient,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the ‘village mentality’ that I’ve been so fortunate to be a product of.”

Improving care

A biology and environmental studies double major who grew up exploring the canyon behind her Colorado home, Grace Perry, A19, was a leader in the Tufts Wilderness Orientation program this past summer, and is volunteering at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Cambridge Women’s Center this semester. She is interested in going to medical school and becoming an ob-gyn and living in a Spanish-speaking country, so she can provide better care to Spanish-speaking populations. Receiving the Fastiff Scholarship brings her one step closer to this dream, Perry said. “I would not be able to attend Tufts without financial aid and scholarships.”

Solving global problems

An international relations and economics major with a focus on international security, Taylor Wurts, A20, is also managing editor of Hemispheres: The Tufts University Journal of International Affairs, a member of the Tufts Model UN, and a Big Brothers Big Sisters elementary school volunteer. He plans to study with the Tufts-in-Paris program in the spring, and dreams of becoming a foreign service officer and diplomat who can “solve complex issues that currently face the global community, with a particular interest in those that are environmentally focused.” He hopes to attend graduate school—a goal that, thanks to the Fastiff Scholarship, is now within reach. “I was deeply honored to be gifted such a meaningful contribution to my continuing education,” Wurts said. “I can graduate from Tufts with increased financial security and peace of mind.”

Exploring the world

Born in Hong Kong and raised in California and Arizona, Justin Tran, A20, is studying international relations, film and media. His learning is taking place inside the classroom and out, as he connects with fellow students from all over the world. “I have never felt such belonging in a community as I have here at Tufts,” he said. As a recipient of the Fastiff Scholarship, he sees endless possibilities for his future, from business development and marketing, to becoming a filmmaker or talent agent, to serving as a diplomat. “As a kid, I always knew I wanted to explore the world and learn more about cultures other than my own,” he said. “Tufts has given me all the resources and opportunities to fulfill this dream.”

Revolutionizing sound

Born in Moscow and raised by working-class immigrants in Long Island, NY, Ilya Yurchenko, A20, is honoring his parents’ commitment to his education by making the most of his Tufts experience. Besides majoring in physics and computer science and minoring in music and philosophy, he is also playing goalie for the Tufts Hockey Club and participating in badminton and chamber choir. He hopes to go into data science in the music business, and then pursue his Ph.D. in physics. “I feel very honored to have received the Fastiff Scholarship. It helps me feel more confident applying to programs for this summer and beyond,” Yurchenko said. “I hope to use my knowledge of physics, music, philosophy, and computer science to revolutionize the way in which we listen to and find music.”

The Fastiff Family

Wesley and Bonnie Fastiff supported Tufts students for decades. Now Bonnie is continuing the tradition with their son, Eric.

Wesley J. Fastiff, A54, A90P, and Bonnie B. Fastiff, ’60, A90P, shared a passion for financial aid; it was a powerful influence in both of their lives. Wes was always grateful for his ROTC scholarship. The son of immigrants who owned a fruit store, he would go on to enjoy a successful career in law. His and his wife’s legacy, the Wesley J. Fastiff, A54 and Bonnie B. Fastiff, ’60 Scholarship Fund, will continue to help Tufts students from modest means gain opportunities for generations to come. “My father always considered his philanthropy to Tufts an important part of his life,” said their son, Eric Fastiff, A90, who, inspired by his parents, has given to Tufts consistently since graduation, and is serving as the Annual Fund co-chair for the School of Arts and Sciences Brighter World campaign committee. “I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to go to Tufts the way my father did.”