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Andy was the very last student admitted to his class, receiving a life-changing phone call in late summer that sprung him from the wait list, while Marjorie arrived as a standout field hockey recruit. Their paths crossed on campus, sparking a lifelong connection to one other and to the college. They’ve made their life in West Virginia, where Andy was born and raised, his natural home and her adopted one.

Decades later, the Cookes have turned that shared experience into something tangible: a scholarship designed to open the same doors for students from West Virginia, a place they know well and care deeply about. Together, they understand how much potential can go untapped without the right access points. Their answer was not just to establish a scholarship for West Virginia students, but to build momentum — bringing together more than 44 Davidson alums to support the scholarship and ensure it has staying power.

Megan Good ’29 and Zavier Pollard ’29, the scholarship’s first recipients named this year, reflect the kind of curiosity, range and drive the Cookes hoped to support.

Community Vibes 

Megan Good ’29 delayed college entry after high school, putting her Davidson acceptance on hold to participate in the Wheaton College gap year program. She worked, explored classes and became immersed in a new environment before jumping into college. 

When it was time to decide on a college, Good turned down a full ride elsewhere and chose Davidson for the community and science curriculum. Now, Good is exploring ways to combine her interests in environmental science, education, humanities and art.

“During my college search, Davidson really seemed to care,” she said, “and I’ve found that to be true. Five and a half hours from home felt doable, and I’ve found a community, classes and professors I truly love.”

A fiddle player since age six and an avid outdoorswoman, Good wanted a place that would nurture her eclectic out-of-classroom interests. She left home uncertain whether she’d be able to continue fiddle lessons, but has found an outlet through the Appalachian Ensemble, as well as through leadership training with Davidson Outdoors. There seems to be a path, she said, for exploring just about every interest she brought to campus.

“I was homeschooled for part of my life, and the curriculum was literature based,” Good said. “My Writing 101 class first semester was called “From Scroll to Screen” and focused on scripture and books. I loved it and am taking a second course with the same professor now.”