Impact of Giving on Students
Maddy Wilson
“My major is EEDS, which is Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability. I plan on minoring in Environmental Engineering, which is super-exciting. I am involved in other clubs and organizations outside of class too.
I am a part of a world-class Winter Guard group, which is basically a color guard group, but without the band. I travel every weekend for it, and it’s really fun. I am also a part of the women’s ultimate frisbee team here on campus, which I really enjoy. I did participate in academic teams in high school, so here at The Ohio State University I am part of the quiz team whenever it fits into my busy schedule.
Having received funding from donors has taken a lot of worries out of my life. I come from a single-income family with five children, so I don’t get a lot of money from my family to go here. So, getting a scholarship now has saved me so much, it helps tremendously.
I would like to thank the donors; your gift has empowered me. I get to sit in a class and learn, instead of sitting there thinking about my debt. Their gift has allowed me to make my life goals possible.”
Maddy, a freshman from West Chester, Ohio majoring in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability, is a current recipient of The Iris Craig Huffman and Gerald Huffman Memorial Scholarship Fund.
—Interview conducted by Emily Beal (senior, agricultural communications)
Rebecca Schroeder
“I grew up in a very small town in northwest Ohio. In high school, I was very involved in cross country, 4-H, FFA, and many other clubs. Being a 4-H and FFA member made me want to come to Ohio State and pursue a degree in AgBusiness. Coming to Ohio State initially was very intimidating because of its size, but over on Ag Campus it feels like home.
"Outside of class, I am involved in the Ag Business Club as well as the Crops and Soils Club, but I am always looking for new ways to get involved here on campus. My scholarships I have received have really allowed me to go out and get involved—letting me to not have a job and allowing me to focus on my school work. I am so thankful I don’t have to worry about how I am going to pay for certain things.
"The donors' support has allowed me to fully focus on my classes and my academics. Not having to worry about getting a job allowed me to get comfortable in my new surroundings, which made my life much easier. I am very thankful for their generosity and do not take it for granted.
"Ohio State was not always going to be an option for me, but the scholarships I received allowed me to do that. Ohio State has always been my dream school, and because of their donations, that dream is now my reality.”
Rebecca, a sophomore from Bryan, Ohio majoring in agribusiness and applied economics, is a past recipient of The Bell Family Fund, Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Scholarship in CFAES, and The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame Non-Livestock Junior Fair Exhibitors Scholarship Endowment Fund.
—Interview conducted by Emily Beal (senior, agricultural communications)
Amber Zehringer
“My major is food business — I have always enjoyed food, have always worked in the industry and somehow always ended up in food management. I thought ‘you know what? This is what I really need to do’ and it worked out great, I have finally found a place where I belong. Nothing against any other college, but it’s true: when you find your niche and your people, you are comfortable. I am comfortable here.
“I am a huge studier, but I do work part-time. Prior to being accepted into Ohio State, I worked full-time and went to school part-time. When I was finally accepted into Ohio State, I made the decision to make school my first priority. After I graduate, I am moving to Colorado Springs where I hope to get a job as a state health inspector. I did have some prior training in the field before coming here, but Ohio State has put me over the top; now I can actually fulfill that dream with this education.
“I would like to thank the donors. Without their donations, I would not be able to go to school full-time. Their support means a lot, especially being a non-traditional student; my career cycle is right in the middle. Their support has given me the abilities to focus on my studies, they have showed me that even if you are non-traditional student, you can do it.”
Amber Zehringer, A senior from Columbus majoring in food business management, is a current recipient of the Lynn F. Jennings Memorial Fund. She has received other university funds from outside the college as well.
—Interview conducted by Emily Beal (senior, agricultural communications)