Some PLU gift assistance has been sponsored by the generosity of one or more donors to the PLU endowment fund. Alumni and friends establish scholarships here because they believe strongly in the value of a PLU education. Donor contributions are largely responsible for the generous level of academic, talent, or need-based scholarships that currently benefit deserving students. Designated (named) scholarships will be awarded throughout the academic year to students who fit specific, donor-designated criteria. In most cases, a named endowed scholarship will replace a student's existing PLU need-based and/or merit gift award. All named-scholarship recipients are encouraged to write letters of appreciation.