Impact Spotlight on Student Scholarships
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
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.
Cortney Zimmerman, Sophomore
Hometown: Spencer, Wisconsin
Major: Agricultural Communications
Scholarships: Ferguson College of Agriculture Associate Dean Fund; Ferguson College of Agriculture Enhancement Scholarship Fund; Joseph Fleming Memorial Scholarship; McKnight Leader Scholars Endowed Scholarship
What made you decide to attend OSU?
The decision to attend Oklahoma State University was easy after I had the opportunity to meet with staff in the agricultural communications department within the Ferguson College of Agriculture. I wanted to attend a university that appreciated my experiences before coming to campus, offered me a top-notch degree program and allowed me to work alongside high-quality, motivated people.
What does receiving scholarships mean to you?
Receiving scholarships not only helps alleviate the stress that comes with paying tuition, but also is a great reminder that somebody believes in my abilities. It is often easy to get caught up in the frustrations of a tough class or the nerves of an upcoming exam, but receiving a scholarship is a reminder that someone sees my potential and has faith in me.
What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?
First and foremost, thank you! It is because of donor generosity that I could say yes to attending Oklahoma State University and take that next big step in my journey. Being an out-of-state student, and the fear of not knowing what being in Stillwater would look like often crossed my mind. However, because of my scholarship donors, I have been able to get involved in countless experiences.
Brooklyn Lamb, Freshman
Hometown: Whitesboro, Texas
Major: Applied Exercise Science
Scholarships: Hunter Stone Endowed Scholarship Fund; OSU-DFW Brighter Orange Endowed Scholarship Fund
Could you describe a person or experience that shaped who you are today?
My parents. They are good-hearted people who love to open their doors to those in need. This has shaped me into a person who loves putting others' needs first and doing everything I can to help others. Along with being people of service, my parents are also big-time sports lovers and instilled that passion in me from a young age. These are qualities that have led me in the direction of a near perfect dream career — a collegiate athletic trainer for Oklahoma State University.
What are you passionate about and how do you plan on pursuing it?
Sports have always held a special place in my heart and sparked a passion that I am eager to apply to a career filled with helping others succeed. I am committed to using my education and learned skills to become a successful athletic trainer. I want to give athletes the support they need to be successful in their sports while also looking out for their health and wellness.
How will scholarships help you reach your career goals/dream job?
I am a first-generation college student with two parents who were never able to pursue their dreams, which means that I have been on this journey all by myself. Scholarships not only help me to stay enrolled at OSU, but they also allow me to do so without the constant stress of financial burdens. Moreover, these scholarships give me more reasons to work hard and be thankful for everything that I am today.
Tori Austin, Freshman
Hometown: Mannford, Oklahoma
Major: Human Development and Family Sciences
Scholarships: Alta L. Robertson DuMont General Scholarship; Thomas W. Utterback Endowed Scholarship
What made you decide to attend OSU?
Oklahoma State University has a lot to offer, including the human development and family sciences program. My grandma is an OSU alumna and loved her time at OSU. She always had good things to say about this university. I also really like the location because it is not too far but not too close to my family.
What are you passionate about and how do you plan to pursue it?
My major is human development and family sciences, which can be used in many ways. I want to be a foster care worker. I went through the foster care system as a child, and I want to help children in the system. I believe every child deserves to know that they are not alone in their struggles. I want to help change the system one kid at a time.
How have scholarships and donor generosity impacted your time in college?
Scholarships are making it possible for me to attend OSU in the first place. I am one of six children from a single-parent household, so I cannot ask for financial help from my family. Because of this, scholarships make my career goals possible. I am thankful for donors who make scholarships possible because their generosity has helped me pave the way for my future.
Story by: Samantha Hardy | STATE Magazine