Spring/Summer 2015
In an era when the cost of higher education is increasing, earning an endowed scholarship from a generous donor can be a life-changing experience. Tiffin University junior Grant Ekleberry is proof how the generosity of others impacts a student’s dreams.
“Regardless of the dream, everyone will need a little help along the way,” Ekleberry told the group of patrons at the University’s 2nd Annual Donor Recognition Luncheon in April. “I was ecstatic when I found out that I had been awarded the Wayne and Virginia Kurtz Zahn Scholarship. I knew it would greatly aid me in the pursuit of my goal to pay for college on my own.”
This year, funds from 28 endowed scholarships were given to 75 students. Ten more scholarships are currently in the fundraising stage to meet the minimum endowment level before they can be offered to students.
President Paul Marion said that the endowed scholarships are important to making higher education affordable.
TU alum and COO of Lamplight Communities, Bobby Petras, added how being given a scholarship impacted his time at the University. He encouraged current recipients to give back after they have graduated, whether it is monetary, volunteering or mentoring. Petras has orchestrated the Annual Aaron Ciak Golf Scramble that has raised money to fund the Aaron Ciak Memorial Scholarship in memory of his close friend and TU alumnus.
Ekleberry said the scholarship has made it possible for him to eventually remain at TU to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree.
“Tiffin University’s affordability has put me in a position where I can successfully pay for my undergraduate degree, without being stricken by a large debt,” he said, adding that the generous scholarships from donors reach well beyond the financial advantages.
“For me, receiving a scholarship means that somebody had the confidence to support me in pursuit of my goals and they want to see me succeed,” he explained. “Everyone comes to college with a dream. These scholarships provide the assistance necessary to make many of these dreams a reality.”