Women for OSU rewards students for academic excellence and service
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu
Women for OSU Endowed Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes academic, philanthropic and volunteer activities among OSU's students. Women for OSU awards annual scholarships to students who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world around them.
For more information and to support Women for OSU scholarships, visit osugiving.com/women.
Chloe Scheitzach, senior
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma
Major: Physiology: Pre-medical Science
Scholarships: Women for OSU Endowed Student Scholarship Mortar Board Scholarship; Delta Dental of Oklahoma Pre-Dentistry Endowed Scholarship; Watson Family Foundation Chi Omega Scholarship
How have scholarships impacted your time at OSU?
In reality, my experience at Oklahoma State and my future would look nothing like it does if it was not for receiving scholarships. I have been able to spend time volunteering at a local food pantry, helping Stillwater residents with household chores and commuting to Tulsa to assist at a nonprofit dental clinic because I was able to rely on the financial support I received from donors.
What was your reaction when you learned you would be receiving the scholarships?
The poor lady on the phone probably thought I was having a heart attack on her. I remember every detail of that phone call because it was the day my life changed. This was the first time someone outside my family or friends had believed in my dreams and recognized the hard work and dedication I had put forth to accomplish them.
What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?
If I was given the opportunity to speak to the donors who made my scholarship possible, I would not be able to articulate my appreciation for them and what they stand for. They instilled belief and confidence in someone that needed the inspiration to continue serving others and pursuing difficult dreams. Because of their generosity, they have started a ripple effect of kindness.
Kayla Morrison, graduate
Hometown: Ponca City, Oklahoma
Major: Horticulture
Scholarships: Women for OSU Wirt June Newman Memorial Scholarship; Jerry F. Benton Memorial Scholarship
How have scholarships impacted your life?
Scholarships have been a huge part of my success at OSU. I am a mother of three and commute one hour daily to Stillwater to attend classes. Without scholarships, I would have not been able to afford gas, books and tuition. They also have shown me support along my journey, pushed me past my boundaries and provided me with colleagues in the field of horticulture I would have never met without the scholarships.
How is your scholarship going to help you reach your career goals/dream job?
This scholarship will allow me to maximize my college experience through volunteer opportunities, service learning and allowing me to spend my free time with my husband and kids instead of at a part-time job.
What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?
If I had the chance to thank my donors, I would tell them I appreciate their support. This scholarship has not only allowed me to bloom in life, but it has also shown my kids that with hard work and dedication, all things can be made possible.
Denise Neal, graduate
Hometown: Belize City, Belize
Major: Language Literacy and Culture
Scholarships: Ike and Marybeth Glass Women for OSU Endowed Scholarship; Randall and Carol White Excellence in Literacy Endowed Fellowship
What made you choose OSU?
OSU offers the diverse training I need to become a literacy expert in my country, Belize. I wanted an opportunity to get the best learning experience to prepare me for assisting teachers in Belize. Also, OSU allowed me to learn online, which is convenient for me as a single mother with a child diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Lastly, the institution respects my culture; I always felt like I belonged, which is essential for all students.
What was your reaction when you learned you’d be receiving your scholarship?
I felt blessed and filled with gratitude. God heard my prayers, and He answered me. I was getting anxious about how I would make my upcoming semester payment, and I silently said Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your request be made known to God.”
What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?
I want the donors to know that they are making it possible for me to accomplish my dreams. Because of their generosity, I will be able to complete my studies at OSU and assist my country in educating teachers, guiding policymakers in making essential decisions in education and developing students to become critically literate.