This scholarship was established by many brothers, family and friends upon the passing of our brother Gary Van Schaften (Beta Lambda '68).  Gary passed away in 2023 at the age of 74.  Gary was a long standing, dedicated Director of the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation.  

Our Brother Gary Van Schaften (Beta Lambda '68), a long time Director of the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at age 74. Brother Van Schaften was the victim of a heart attack suffered in the course of playing a game of golf in his adopted home state of South Carolina. Alpha Phi Delta Foundation Director, Anthony Carfang said this of Brother Van Schaften, "[He was] not just a great brother, Gary was an invaluable director and committee chair, prime mover behind multiple scholarship funds, convention regular and a very good friend."

Born Gareth Francis Van Schaften on April 10, 1949, he attended De Paul High School in Wayne, New Jersey. After graduating high school in 1967, he enrolled at St. Francis College (now University) in Loretto, Pennsylvania. In 1968, he was initiated into Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity where he became a chapter leader. in our Beta Lambda Chapter; he graduated in 1971. In July of 1973, he married Judith Nelan at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Wayne, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife Judith.

Brother Van Schaften remained active with the Fraternity after graduating from College. In his later alumni years he became a leader in the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation, and was especially involved in developing its Alumnus Emeritus program. In 2019, Gary was awarded the Oustanding Alumnus Award of Alpha Phi Delta. In more recent years, he has been active working to establish an Alumni Club in South Carolina. Brother Van Schaften's most recent appearance at a National gathering was at the 2023 National Convention.  (Obituary courtesy of Central Office)