Impact Spotlight on OSU scholarships
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
When you donate to scholarships, you equip students with the financial and academic support that allows them to pursue their orange passion.
Your support offers life-changing experiences to help students be successful at OSU and beyond. For information on donating, visit OSUgiving.com.
Charlie Vermeire, junior
Hometown: Miles City, Montana
Major: Biochemistry: Microbiology/Cell and Molecular Biology
Scholarships: John & Mildred Skinner Chemistry Scholarship Endowment; McKnight Leader Scholars Endowed Scholarship; Hugh F. and Carolyn J. Wynn - PDS Fund
Why did you choose Oklahoma State University?
As an out-of-state student whose parents are OSU alumni, attending Oklahoma State had always been a dream of mine. When the time came to finally start applying to universities, I felt as though a school that was closer to home might be a better option. I decided to tour OSU, and when I did, I recognized that the friendly environment and the abundance of undergraduate research opportunities available at OSU far exceeded those of any of the other universities I had toured.
What impact have the scholarships made during your time in college?
Following the completion of my undergraduate studies, I aspire to attend medical school to begin the process of becoming a physician and medical researcher. The scholarships will significantly contribute to this goal in that they will not only support me in my investigation of a specific question, but will also allow me to gain valuable experience in my field of study.
What would you like to say to the donors who made your scholarship possible?
To the donors of my scholarship, I would like to say thank you for your very generous support of my education. It is due, in large part, to your assistance that I remain financially capable of attending the university. Your investment in me has not only relieved some of the financial stress of tuition, but has also opened countless doors for my education as well. I cannot express how grateful I am for all the support I have received. Thank you.
Taylor Stoll, graduate
Hometown: Woodward, Oklahoma
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Scholarships: CEAT StuCo Creating Engineers, Architects and Technologists Scholar; ONEOK Scholars in Engineering Fund;
OSU Engineering Scholarship for Oklahoma’s Future Endowed Fund; Tom Carson Library Scholarship Fund
How will your scholarship help you reach your career goals?
As a first-generation student, it was difficult for me to afford college. Now, I am here today as a newly graduated OSU alumna, and I have plans to continue my education and pursue a graduate degree. The scholarships I have received at OSU have quite literally changed my life and led me down a path to success I never would have reached due to financial restrictions.
What impact have the scholarships made during your time in college?
Attending college was only made possible to me through financial aid I received throughout my time at OSU. I had more time to devote to studying and developing a deep passion for engineering and academia. All the success I have experienced and continue to strive for would not have been possible without the aid of scholarships and the positive effects it has had.
How would you express your gratitude to your scholarship donors?
Their generosity has made my dreams and future success become an attainable reality. Donors are an incredibly important influence on ALL students — not just me. I would take the opportunity to let them know that their efforts truly make a difference and are not minimal in the slightest. Without you, I would not have made such treasured memories and I most definitely would not have been able to strive for such amazing goals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Savanna Smith, graduate
Hometown: Trophy Club, Texas
Major: Veterinary Medicine
Scholarships: Sheryl Benbrook Women for OSU Endowed Scholarship
How has the scholarship transformed your OSU experience?
Being an out-of-state student, especially in professional school, comes with a hefty financial burden. Receiving this scholarship has alleviated some of that stress and allows me to focus more on academia and my rotations in my fourth and final year. I am able to worry less about money and direct all of my attention towards my education. I have excelled in my studies and extracurriculars because of it.
How has your scholarship helped you reach your dream job?
After graduation in 2023, I will be starting my career as a small animal emergency veterinarian. This scholarship shows that I have support among those that have already carved their path, those that are forging through their career at this very moment. It supports me financially so that I may afford to attain the degree necessary to start my career, and it supports me emotionally so that I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am grateful every day for the foundation I have beneath me.
What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible?
With the rising costs of education and rising rate of suicide amongst veterinarians, it is a leap of faith to embark on the journey of veterinary school. Debt and insecurity are always looming. Your donations are what give our generation the faith to take that jump, because we know that we are being supported by incredible people like you. Your donation has aided in alleviating my stress surrounding my monetary situation so that I may continue to be successful in school. This will help me become the veterinarian I know I am destined to be. And for that I will forever be grateful.