ECU Foundation honors donors, recipients of first Access Scholarships
GREENVILLE, NC — The East Carolina University Foundation has launched a new scholarship program aimed at helping students who have both demonstrated financial aid and proven academic potential.T
The 30 recipients of the first Access Scholarships at ECU were honored at a luncheon on Oct. 19 along with the groups and individuals sponsoring the scholarships. The scholarships are in the amount of $5,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate studies.
Bill Clark, president of the ECU Foundation, called the event a landmark occasion.”
The students receiving this new scholarship come from all corners of the state.
They have demonstrated financial need and a record of classroom success. Collectively, they have a 3.4 grade point average. Several are the first in their family to go to college,” he said.
When addressing the students, Clark said, The donors to this scholarship program are very astute investors, and they are investing in your future. They have three objectives: that you stay in school and graduate, that you are able to begin your careers and your families without the burden of a mountain of debt to repay, and that you learn from this opportunity to give back to ECU to help future generations.”
Ten students received the scholarships provided by RBC Centura Banks, six by the West Memorial Fund, three by the Harold H. Bate Foundation of New Bern, and 11 were supported by ECU Foundation board members.
Interim provost Marilyn Sheerer spoke to the scholarship recipients and donors about the importance of opportunities of financial help for students who are working one or two jobs to pay for their tuition and living expenses.
Reading from comments that the students had supplied, Sheerer shared how much these students appreciated receiving this scholarship and how it would make a difference in their lives. Sheerer also told the group of her experience with one student who was working more than 30 hours a week off-campus plus taking a full academic schedule.
Clark said, East Carolina University like most universities, has had scholarships for the very brightest students and financial aid for the very neediest students. But there is an under-served population of students who have both financial need and a very good academic record. Access Scholarships are designed to address that need. There is no separate application for this scholarship. Students are selected based on their financial aid application and their academic record.
The ECU Foundation hopes to expand this scholarship program over the next four years and welcomes inquires from potential sponsors, including individuals, companies, community foundations, and ECU faculty and staff,” said Clark.