Tarzan MacMood ’20 has been awarded a Roothbert Fund Scholarship, which will support a portion of the tuition for his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania next year.

The award, which MacMood received with highest distinction, recognizes students “motivated by spiritual values.”  It will further his goal to become a teacher.

“I was absolutely elated when I received the news,” says the mathematics and educational studies special major from Upper Darby, Pa. “It’s an honor to be recognized for it, largely because it’s a recognition of my passion for public service.”

MacMood was the top candidate for the Roothbert Fund Scholarship in the Philadelphia area and earned the maximum award, notes Lisa Smulyan ’76, the Henry C. and Charlotte Turner Professor of Educational Studies. He will pursue a master’s in education at Penn with secondary-teacher certification.

Reflecting on his Swarthmore experience, MacMood expressed gratitude for Muslim Student Association (MSA), “which brought community and grounding,” and the Interfaith Center (IFC) at large.

“The countless opportunities to develop fellowship with others and explore spiritual life that the MSA and IFC gave me are prominent reasons why I am who I am today and why I received this scholarship,” he says. “I’ll never forget the profound impact the MSA, IFC, and Swarthmore have had on me.”

Created in 1958 to help students in need further their education, the Roothbert Fund and its scholarship program aim to foster fellowship among past and present recipients.

“I’m excited to connect with several generations of spiritually motivated Roothbert fellows and to continue on my journey with the support of the Roothbert Fund,” says MacMood.