2018 Scholarship Celebration brings together more than 500 scholarship donors and student recipients
The 2018 Scholarship Celebration was held at the Knicely Conference Center on Thursday, March 29.
The annual event recognizes and celebrates the philanthropic spirit of donors who support scholarship funds and the students who directly benefit from their generosity. Often the only way scholarship donors can meet their student recipients face-to-face, this event offers an opportunity for them to learn about one another.
WKU President Timothy C. Caboni spoke to the group of more than 500 scholarship donors and student recipients of his inspiration from the University’s motto, “The Spirit Makes the Master.”
“You are living that motto through your decision to fund scholarships for these deserving students,” said President Caboni to the scholarship donors. “You are forever changing and transforming their lives for the better, and we are all grateful that your WKU experience prepared and inspired you to help others.
“As a student-centered university, our highest priority is student success,” said President Caboni. “The most common barrier for students who fail to persist is cost. To our students with us this evening, these are the individuals who have helped make it possible for you to pursue your dreams.”
Laryn J. Hilderbrandt, a senior from Coxs Creek, Ky., shared how the WKU Spirit has challenged and inspired her. She is the recipient of the Lee Robertson Scholarship.
“Many of us would not be here today if it were not for the generosity of the donors in this room,” said Hilderbrandt. “For me as a student, knowing there is someone out there believing in you enough to provide financial support is empowering, providing a confidence and motivation to take full advantage of the education we are so fortunate to have.”
Lee Robertson, known as “Mr. Western” in recognition of his 60-plus-year relationship with the University, also spoke at the event and shared his special brand of wisdom.
“’The Spirit Makes the Master’ is more than a building or a green lawn,” said Robertson. “It is people. It comes from people.”
Speaking on the WKU Spirit, Robertson said, “I got it. I live with it, and I love it.”
This year, 6,300 students at WKU received $36.6 million dollars in scholarship support to attend WKU, and $5.6 million of that total was funded through private donors.
“The College Heights Foundation is proud to be the Guardian of Trusts and administer more than 1,200 scholarship funds that benefit deserving students pursuing an education,” said Donald Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation. “Each one of these funds is unique and tells its own special story, and we were pleased tonight to facilitate an opportunity for scholarship donors and student recipients to share those stories together.”
The Ridley Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, a longtime supporter of WKU, is the presenting sponsor of the Scholarship Celebration.
For more information, please contact Jessica Carver at (270) 745-2342.
Visit our Scholarship Celebration website for more photos from the event.
Posted on: March 29, 2018