25 Years of Community: Julian and Robert J. Lake Scholarship Helps Students Find a Home Away from Home

For the past 25 years, the Julian and Robert J. Lake Scholarship has given Davidson College students unforgettable experiences on campus and set them up for lives of service and stewardship after graduation. 

Established by Gilmour Lake ’58 and Nancy Lake in honor of Gilmour’s father, Julian Lake ’28 and brother Robert Lake ’66, the scholarship has helped the children and relatives of Presbyterian ministers attend Davidson since 2001. 

Being a Lake Scholar means far more than just financial support. Scholars over the years share common experiences: dinners on campus with the Lake family, swapped stories and, famously, a copy of Julian Lake’s memoirs, compiled by Gilmour and given to the scholars each year.  

Whether they came from nearby or moved across the country for college, Gilmour and Nancy made sure their scholars had a second home, an active support system and an extra family to cheer them on. These four Lake scholars, whose Davidson years span more than two decades, all witnessed the Lakes’ kindness and generosity. Today, they reflect on their Davidson experiences and the scholarship that made them possible. 

Growing up, teacher Lalla Renwick Marquez ’03 hoped to attend Davidson like her uncle, Rev. Andy Langford ’75. Her heart was set on Davidson, but it seemed financially out of reach until she learned about the Lake Scholarship. That opportunity led to a college experience that would shape the rest of her life. 

“At first, I didn’t know anything about the Lakes,” she said, “But every year, they hosted a dinner at their home. They were immediately so warm and caring, and they made it easy to get to know them.”

As a first-year, Marquez met her now husband, Diego ’03, on the swim and dive team. Other highlights of her time at Davidson include joining Warner Hall, helping to launch a bioethics group on campus and spending a semester studying abroad in Scotland. 

Gilmour and Nancy remained a source of support and connection at Davidson during Marquez’s year working as a fellow in the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement. They stayed in touch when she moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a master’s degree in elementary education. They attended her wedding in 2007. 

“Davidson showed me how much relationships matter,” said Marquez, who has taught fourth grade for the past 17 years. “At the end of the day, it’s relationships that people remember.”

Ross Kruse ’17 grew up outside of New York City, where his mom served as a Presbyterian pastor. Davidson was far from his family, but with Davidson College Presbyterian Church (DCPC) nearby and a community of warmth surrounding him, campus felt like home.

Receiving the Lake Scholarship made Davidson an even more obvious choice. Kruse looked forward to the Lake dinners each year, where he could enjoy a big family meal and get to know the other scholars. 

“It was like having grandparents in town,” he said. “I always knew I had someone in my corner celebrating each little win with genuine excitement and pride. Each year, the senior scholar had to open dinner with a prayer. Coming in as an 18 year old and watching the seniors give their prayers until suddenly it’s your turn — that was a unique and powerful experience.”

As a young alum, Kruse keeps in touch with the Lakes whenever he can. A few years ago, he, Gilmour and Nancy attended the A-10 men’s basketball tournament together in Washington, D.C. 

Today, Kruse lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Bridget Lavender ’18, who he met post-graduation through another Davidson alum. He works in data analytics, an interest he can trace directly back to his time doing ’Cats Stats for the Davidson men’s basketball team, and stays involved with the NYC alumni chapter in his free time.

“I was able to attend Davidson because of the Lakes,” he said. “The impact of their generosity will be felt for the rest of my life.”