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Ari Johnson Memorial Scholarship
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  Ari's dream job as Senior Marketing Manager at SportsNet New York  
Fundraising goal $100,000.00
Ari Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Ari Johnson, C'01, TEP Brother (1980 - 2013)
Remembering Ari
Ari Johnson, beloved son, Penn alumnus, and a respected brother of the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, tragically and inexplicably took his own life on February 15, 2013. The impact of his death upon his loved ones and the community of friends and colleagues who were touched by Ari, inspired them to remember his life in a meaningful way that would have lasting significance. Born to Lillian Page Johnson and Leslie S. Johnson in Wynnewood, PA, Ari was a "lifer" at The Haverford School for Boys, attending from kindergarten to 12th grade. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001 and enjoyed a career in sports marketing and promotion. His bright smile was infectious, and he was known among family and friends for his exuberant personality and his ability to bring people together. In tribute to his life, the creation of the Ari Johnson Memorial Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania, will make it possible for future generations of bright students like Ari to pursue their dreams of an Ivy League education.
A Shared Legacy
In 1997, Ari became the first beneficiary of the Alzie Jackson/Tau Epsilon Phi Scholarship, named in honor of his grandfather and the legendary houseman who cared for generations of TEP brothers. Alzie was known as "the ultimate bridgebuilder" and since 1997, the scholarship endowed in his memory has created a path to opportunity, supporting two undergraduates each year who, without financial aid, could not afford an education at Penn. Similarly, the Ari Johnson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Penn student who displays leadership ability, diversity of interests and activities, perseverance to overcome adversity and disadvantage, and dedication to academic achievement.
Building Bridges
Ari was adored by his family and well respected by his peers, colleagues, and TEP Brothers. The impact he had upon others was evident in the dedication of his friends from Penn and from The Haverford School when, early in the summer of 2013, a number of them ran a half-marathon in Ari's memory, raising over $65,000 for Active Minds, a suicide prevention and mental health outreach organization with over 400 college campus chapters. Our current effort will link people from the various corners of Ari's life in the shared goal of raising $100,000 for the Ari Johnson Memorial Scholarship by November 6, when we plan to make an official announcement at the University's Homecoming festivities. We are grateful for your support.
Why Scholarships Matter?
This year, more than 47 percent of students in the incoming freshman class at Penn received financial aid, with grant packages averaging $43,800. Scholarships like the Ari Johnson Memorial Scholarship will help make an Ivy League education accessible for bright students regardless of their financial backgrounds.
    Donation messages
    "In loving memory of a great friend." --Mr. Peter Finelli
    Still remembering my man Ari. I hope you are up there with Alzie and Rocky helping to make the world a better place. The Chancellor For Life --Steve Lerman
    Ari, you are still in our hearts. The Chancellor for Life --Steve Lerman
    In memory of Beaux --David Pichichero
    Ari "Beaux" Johnson - You will forever be in our memories as our best friend. We miss you and we love you. Dave and the crew from the Deck --David Pichichero
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