Longtime Emory supporter Charles Scott 82C 86M has an unconventional college admission story, and it’s all because he didn’t do his homework.

Scott attributes his introduction to Emory to a missed vocabulary assignment in high school. The teacher walked from desk to desk checking each student’s workbook, and she was headed his way. Suddenly an announcement came over the intercom: A representative from Emory was visiting the school, and anyone interested could leave class and go to the front office.

“I had committed to another college, but I saw this as an opportunity to get out of class,” Scott recalled. “I went to learn more about Emory, and the decision changed my life.”

Emory turned out to be the perfect fit. He had a passion for music and a budding interest in psychiatry and the university allowed him to explore both. “A liberal arts education exposed me to the performing arts while supporting my pre-med coursework,” he said.

But his Bobby Jones Scholarship had the most profound impact. The scholarship provided financial support and enabled him to study at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. “My time at St Andrews was incredible. I made lifelong friends and frequently reconnect with other Bobby Jones Scholar alumni.”

After graduating from medical school at Emory and serving in the military, Scott has a successful career as a forensic psychiatrist. And he never forgets the power of philanthropy. Having received several scholarships himself, Scott credits the generosity of donors with changing his life. “Without those scholarships, my path might have looked very different,” he reflected.

That’s why he was thrilled to join the 2O36 Campaign Council. “Emory was so life-changing for me. I knew that by supporting 2O36 as a donor and a volunteer, I could help talented students who would not otherwise be able to attend Emory to have experiences that could change their lives, too.” 

Scott’s commitment to giving back doesn’t stop there. He has also made a planned gift to support future Bobby Jones Scholars, ensuring the program that transformed his own journey will continue to open doors for others. “It’s my way of helping others access the same incredible opportunities I was fortunate to have.”