The Late Virginia Neves Gonsalves ’62 Pays It Forward with Her Endowed Scholarship Fund

When Virginia Neves Gonsalves ’62 arrived on America’s shores from Cape Verde at the age of nine, her parents had limited schooling and did not understand the U.S. education system—yet they valued education. “Not only did they support me, they also lovingly encouraged me and my siblings to get an education,” she said. While at Rogers High School, Virginia learned about Salve Regina and made her application. It was her only college application, and it was meant to be.

Thanks to generous alumni, Virginia was awarded a four-year scholarship to attend Salve Regina, where she flourished, made lifelong friendships, and gained a wonderful education.

Now Virginia has shared her good fortune through the Virginia Neves Gonsalves Scholarship, which has already helped several minority students attend Salve Regina.

“I want to help minorities and help more of these students come to Salve to have the same experience I had,” Virginia said. “I receive letters from students telling me of the impact I have made in their lives through the scholarship. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

After graduating, Virginia traveled to Honduras as part of a Sisters of Mercy mission. After returning to Rhode Island, she had a wonderful long-standing teaching career and remained closely connected to the university ever since through the Alumni Association, as a volunteer, and as a donor supporting various annual campaigns.

Virginia urged her fellow alumni to join her in sharing the gift of a Salve Regina education.

“I encourage them to give, remembering the time they cherished and sharing that experience with others,” she said. “It’s a good feeling to give—no matter the size of the gift.”