[Updated: August 18, 2026 | Published: August 17, 2026]
Friendship Village of Dublin, central Ohio’s premier senior living community, made a statement through its philanthropic work designed to support the educational and professional development of its associates and their family members. The community hosted its 26th annual Scholarship Ceremony and hit new milestones by handing out the most scholarships and professional development grants in the program’s history as a result of record-breaking donation efforts.
On July 15, 2026, Friendship Village of Dublin hosted its annual FVD Scholarship Ceremony designed to recognize individuals being awarded scholarships or professional development grants to financially support their educational pursuits. The Muirfield Room at Friendship Village was filled with honorees and their families, donors, supportive residents and associates, and Board members to commemorate the moment.
An Impact Felt for Generations
This year, a total of 36 scholarships and three professional development grants were awarded, totaling $144,000, all to support the education and professional endeavors of associates and their family members. Each scholarship winner earned a $4,000 scholarship for their post-secondary education. The FVD Scholarship Fund set new highs in total donations, scholarships awarded, and funds raised, showcasing Friendship Village and its residents’ commitment to supporting others through philanthropy.
Friendship Village of Dublin Chief Executive Officer Rita Doherty emphasized the impact the program is having on young professionals and the greater community.
“At Friendship Village of Dublin, we believe our responsibility extends far beyond exceptional care and placemaking for Residents — we’re also here to help shape the future. By investing in education through our scholarship program, we’re building character, encouraging compassion and supporting the next generation of leaders.
“These young individuals are not only vital to our community today, but they’re also the backbone of tomorrow’s workforce. It’s our honor to play a small role in their journey.”
An Investment in Our Present, Their Future
The 2026 Scholarship Ceremony awarded scholarships or grants to 26 current associates, eight family members of an associate, and two individuals who are a dependent and associate. Twenty general scholarships and 14 sponsored scholarships were awarded this year, including six new sponsored scholarships, the most growth in any single year.
The Scholarship Program began in 2001 with three $500 scholarships and has grown tremendously over its 25-year existence. To date, 219 scholarships totaling nearly $675,000 have been awarded to associates and their family members since the program’s inception. The program is a 100% donor-funded initiative and includes gifts from community residents, associates, friends and family, Friendship Village Board members, and business community members.
There is Gratitude in Friendship
We’d like to thank our very kind donors, supporters, and committee members for their generosity and support towards the FVD Scholarship Fund, our FVD community, and families. Without you, this mission to serve and support others would not be possible.
Here is what a few of our scholarship honorees shared, highlighting how thankful they are to receive the gift of opportunity, support, and encouragement. (relation to FVD and school of study listed in parenthesis)
“This scholarship will help me continue my education and work towards making a positive difference in people’s lives. Thank you again for believing in me and investing in my future. I truly appreciate it.”
~ Mostafa Asmali (Culinary, The Ohio State University)
“Thank you for your generosity. It means a lot. This is my third time receiving this scholarship, and every time it feels like it means a little bit more. I appreciate you, and the fact that you are willing to push us and help us get to where we need to be.”
~ Boston Berry (child of FVD associate, The Ohio State University)
“I have had the honor to be part of the Friendship Village Family. I love it so much. To me, I have one grandma left, and to me you are ALL my grandparents…I consider you all my grandmas and grandpas, and you are truly family to us … Without this scholarship, I would literally not be able to attend school full-time or be able to work in the field, so you are all truly, truly making a difference. Thank you so much for investing in our future.”
~ Aya Bouiri (Culinary, Columbus State)
“As many of you may know, the Pre-Med track is not easy, and I am beyond grateful that the residents chose me as a recipient for the scholarship because that lets me know that they believe in me!”
~ Firdose Haroun (Culinary, The Ohio State University)
“I want to say thank you to everyone at Friendship [Village]. You have been my rock for the past five years. This has been an amazing place to work, and a big thank you to The Jakes for investing in my future and my education. I am so grateful to you both and I hope to make you proud.”
~ Olivia Worth (Culinary, Bowling Green State University)
“I want to thank Friendship Village and the scholarship team for investing in my education. I will be going to Pickaway-Ross [CTC] in Chillicothe to get my LPN so that way, I can continue to care for the residents in the memory care unit, as I have gotten to know them very well. Thank you for supporting me and my future.”
~ Col Green (Nursing, Pickaway-Ross CTC, LPN)
A Winning Recipe: Friendship Village of Dublin Culinary Team Claims Top Honor at Taste of New Albany
[Updated: August 24, 2026 | Published: August 7, 2026] Delicious.…
