Cullman Scholar Explores Family Ties to Activism, Aid
As soon as Jasper ’26 saw the photo of his great aunt Edna supplying aid to children impacted by the Spanish Civil War of 1937, he was hooked.Edna, as Jasper learned one summer night two years ago, was a lifelong activist who did significant work in aiding refugees — primarily children — across war-torn Europe.
Jasper’s father Adam, on that summer night, had dusted off two large binders filled with personal writings and photographs from Edna, painting an emotional picture in Jasper’s mind of her efforts in caring for those impacted by war.
“I was so inspired,” Jasper remembered. “I’ve always loved stories — everything from Greek mythology to the history of the Mayans. But that was different. It was someone from my own family doing incredible things during a very challenging time.”
Jasper was so inspired, in fact, that he chose to utilize his Cullman Scholarship experience to learn more about the geo-political conflicts that shaped Edna’s life work, and walk in her footsteps as a volunteer to refugees.
Considered among KUA’s highest honors, the Cullman Scholarship Program was established in 1983 with a gift from Hugh Cullman ’42 and supports students in off-campus study opportunities. In 2025, Jasper and nine other students were awarded scholarships to pursue an area of study of their choosing that develops leadership skills, global and environmental awareness, and service to others.
Considered among KUA’s highest honors, the Cullman Scholarship Program was established in 1983 with a gift from Hugh Cullman ’42 and supports students in off-campus study opportunities. In 2025, Jasper and nine other students were awarded scholarships to pursue an area of study of their choosing that develops leadership skills, global and environmental awareness, and service to others.
Jasper began his Cullman experience with a three-week course at Brown University titled “The Second World War: Memory, Myth, and Lived Experience.” Joined by roughly a dozen high-school students from across the globe, Jasper was challenged to consider how one’s viewpoints of World War II are often shaped by personal perspectives and experiences and may evolve over time.
For his final project, Jasper researched the common trope of “the Greatest Generation” to describe those who participated in America’s war effort. Though the moniker is meant to honor those who fought in the war and supported American troops, Jasper said it overlooks dark stains of American society at the time, such as growing antisemitism stemming from the Great Depression and widespread mistreatment of Japanese Americans.
“I was astonished to learn about the amount of misinformation spread about refugees, specifically about how they hurt the economy, and how that same kind of misinformation exists today,” Jasper said. “It’s all simply false because there are so many organizations that help put people into jobs where they immediately pay taxes and help the economy. When refugees make money, they reinvest it into the economy just like everybody else.”
Jasper saw firsthand how one of those organizations, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), in Colchester, Vermont, works. Established in 1911, USCRI provides legal, social, and health services for refugees in all 50 states. As a volunteer, Jasper helped prepare presentations and organize informational packets for those in need.
“I had the privilege of meeting some incredible people and I was moved by their kindness,” said Jasper, adding that he learned a lot about the challenges facing modern-day refugees. “Through this experience, I feel more connected with Edna, and I’m inspired to carry out her legacy.”
Jasper is considering studying international politics when he heads to college next year.
“It sounds simple, but I just want to help the most people I can,” he said. “Just like my great aunt Edna.”
