Title:Steeve Simbert (C’15)

Steeve Simbert (C’15) vividly remembers the day a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck his native Haiti, killing more than 100,000 people. With Haiti in ruin, Simbert and his twin brother were forced to pack up their belongings and move to America for college.

He toured Georgetown’s campus the first day he arrived in Washington, and it was love at first sight. Although Georgetown seemed like the perfect fit, his single mother’s income—about $100 a month—would not cover the cost of attendance.

But thanks to the generous donors that support the Georgetown Scholarship Program, Simbert has been able to attend his dream school. “No one can be successful or accomplish anything without acknowledging the other people who have contributed to your success,” he said.

Since coming to Georgetown, Simbert has found his niche in politics. He has already interned in the office of Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and was selected to study abroad at France’s Sciences Po Paris—known for its politics and international relations programs. This fall, Simbert will study politics at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

“Georgetown’s Catholic identity has transformed me into a strong believer of ‘to whom much is given, much is required,'” Simbert said. “I’m committed to return to Haiti to share my knowledge about politics and to run for office to help rebuild its political system.” He also aspires to create a program in Haiti in which Georgetown students can study and perform community service.