SCHOLARSHIP APPRECIATION RECEPTION BRINGS STUDENTS AND DONORS TOGETHER

UWF is not a legacy school—UWF is a place that offers real opportunities to students that would not have the chance to attend college without scholarship support. It is only fitting that UWF students have a venue to express their gratitude to the numerous donors that make it possible for them to attend the university.

Last month, the UWF Foundation hosted a Scholarship Appreciation Reception at the new Argonaut Athletic Club on UWF’s main campus. More than 60 donors and student scholarship recipients attended, as well as UWF President Judy Bense and Foundation Board Members Laverne Baker, Tim Haag and Brian Wyer.

Cherith Welter, a recipient of the Charlie Clary Scholarship—a scholarship dedicated for full time Elementary Education majors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0—was one of three students that spoke at the reception. A mother of four children, Cherith could not afford to attend school full-time. Yet, with scholarship support and determination, she is one class away from graduating with a degree in at-risk education.

“I believe the key to our future leaders is found one child at a time,” said Cherith. “I want to give students the tools they need to become whatever they want. I assure you that I will never give up, and I will continue to use your investment wisely on the next generation.”

During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the UWF Foundation awarded $792,771 in scholarships to 752 students. Additionally, $390,000 was awarded to 427 first generation students.

President Bense shared her appreciation for UWF’s donors with great enthusiasm, “You are creating great futures, not only for these students here today, but also for those who come after them, as well as for those whose lives are affected by these students when they start their careers and begin to touch the lives of others throughout society.”

To learn more, contact Sheri Pope, Assistant Director for the UWF Foundation, at (850) 474-3380 or e-mail spope@uwf.edu.