Meaning: Alonzo Church, a renowned mathematician and logician, made this statement, reflecting on his experience as an undergraduate student at Princeton University. The quote highlights the pivotal role played by the math department at Princeton in encouraging and supporting Church's academic pursuits. It also sheds light on the crucial financial assistance he received in the form of fellowships, without which he might not have been able to pursue graduate studies.

Alonzo Church's time at Princeton University, particularly as an undergraduate student, was a formative period in his academic and professional journey. Princeton's math department recognized Church's potential and actively encouraged him to further his studies by pursuing graduate school. This encouragement and support from the math department are evident in Church's acknowledgment of the fellowships that were awarded to him, which alleviated the financial burden and enabled him to continue his education.

The significance of the financial support provided by the fellowships cannot be overstated. As a student, Church may have faced financial constraints that could have hindered his ability to pursue advanced studies. The fact that the math department at Princeton not only recognized his talent but also took concrete steps to ensure that financial barriers did not impede his progress speaks to the institution's commitment to nurturing and supporting promising scholars.

Church's statement also underscores the broader issue of access to education and the role of financial support in enabling students to pursue their academic aspirations. Without the fellowships and financial assistance he received, Church may not have been able to fully realize his potential and make the significant contributions to mathematics and logic for which he is celebrated today.

Alonzo Church's career trajectory serves as a testament to the impact of mentorship and institutional support in shaping the future of promising scholars. The encouragement and financial assistance he received from the math department at Princeton not only propelled his own academic journey but also contributed to the advancement of mathematical and logical research through his groundbreaking work.

In conclusion, Alonzo Church's quote reflects on the pivotal role played by the math department at Princeton University in supporting and encouraging his academic pursuits. The provision of fellowships that covered his expenses underscored the department's commitment to nurturing talent and removing financial barriers to education. Church's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship, institutional support, and financial assistance in enabling students to pursue their scholarly ambitions and make meaningful contributions to their fields.