2023-24 Scholarship Impact Report

I live on the Oregon Coast in a rural community where I have been a social worker for 15 years. When it came time to earn my degree, online was my only option for school. I chose PSU for my Master of Social Work because of everything it offers to online students. I am the first in my family to pursue a degree. I did not graduate high school, as I had my first child at 16. I got my GED and then later in life was able to obtain my bachelor’s degree. It has been my goal to have my doctorate, and this puts me one step closer. This scholarship helps relieve the cost of school on myself and my family. It makes it possible to be able to move toward my goals while still being able to be present for my children, spouse and grandchildren."

Master of Social Work ‘25
Lemman Family Endowed Scholarship Recipient

"I started at PSU one year ago after an almost thirty-year break from college. During the pandemic, my career as a children’s entertainer came to a screeching halt. I realized that I needed a more stable source of income to raise a daughter in a city that is getting steadily more expensive to live in. I decided that being an elementary teacher would be a career that would fit my skills and values. I’m proud to say that at the beginning of this school year, I’ll start my student teaching at Rose City Park Elementary! Having this scholarship means that the costs for all of the books I’ll be required to buy or rent during my one-year program will be covered by generous people who want to help and encourage lifelong learners. It also means I’ll have the chance to do more fun things with my daughter, like going to the coast (her favorite place!). Thank you so much — your generosity is appreciated! I promise to put it to good use."

Graduate Teacher Education Program ’24 Jorgensen Family Endowed Scholarship Recipient Janette Drew Endowed Scholarship Recipient 

"Living in southern California, I was interested in experiencing the Pacific Northwest. PSU was an interesting choice. Before even attending, I imagined myself roaming around the city going for a coffee before attending class. My goal is to perfect my craft in oil painting. I am hopeful that my knowledge as a painter will come in handy for possible career opportunities. This scholarship has provided a new opportunity to prosper in my art practice and inspire my upcoming projects."

Art and Design ‘24
Lane Martin Art Practice Endowed Scholarship Recipient

"I chose PSU because of its safe environment, great faculty, and the amazing experiences alumni have had here. Being able to study at a prestigious, diverse and awesome school while being able to be near my family and partner was an opportunity I couldn’t miss! My career plan is to work as a band director. I plan to impact students’ lives through the power of music, community and acceptance. This scholarship will not only help me pay for tuition, books and fees, but it will positively affect my life overall. As a student, I plan to work hard and always strive for my very best. I am so grateful for this scholarship."

Music Education ‘25
Evangeline and Margaret Bachelder Music Education Scholarship Recipient
Jimmy Mak’s Musical Inspiration Scholarship Recipient

"I chose PSU because it shared a lot of my own interests within higher education. I wanted to learn at an institution within a city and one that truly feels connected with the surrounding community. My goal is to work for Nike in an effort to create more sustainable and affordable athletic clothes. This scholarship means a lot to me personally. It’s good to know that there are people out there who still want to help others in their pursuits for a better future. Receiving a scholarship motivates me to work harder knowing people are rooting for my personal growth. I want to truly thank you for helping fund my education. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. You are helping me put my best foot forward in everything that I do."

Advertising Management ‘25
Don Wyler Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient

"I am an Indigenous woman in long term recovery. I raised two sons and came back to school at age 48 to obtain my AAS from PCC. I was a Youth Addiction Counselor for two years. After my experiences with youth, I realized I need to obtain more education to provide care for adults. I decided to come to PSU to obtain my BA. I am currently 53 and want to inspire more older adults to have the courage to go back to school. It is never too late."

Youth, Child and Family Studies ’25
Nancy Ryles Endowed Scholarship Recipient

"I got married at the early age of 18 years old and moved to London where I soon became a mother of two boys. After the divorce, I remarried and moved to Oregon. In only a few years, I experienced three very different educational systems. This was part of a lifelong challenge to achieve an education. As a woman, I had yet to experience educational support. I was not allowed to oversee my own life. But life gave me a second chance, and I soon realized the power of education is the way to my redemption. I enrolled at PSU with the goal of earning my degree in accounting. I am passionate about accounting and want to help organizations become more efficient and effective. With the help of education, I am growing strong as an individual and community member."

Accounting ‘25
Richard & Maurine Neuberger Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient
Herbert Retzlaff Endowed Scholarship Recipient
Glenn C. Lovett Endowed Scholarship Recipient