Harriot College celebrates student scholarship recipients, thanks donors
East Carolina University’s Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences celebrated students and thanked its generous donors at the college’s seventh annual scholarship luncheon Oct. 28 in the Main Campus Student Center ballroom. This academic year, 178 of the college’s students will benefit from nearly $303,000 in scholarship assistance from donors.
Dr. Allison S. Danell, dean of Harriot College, thanked donors and welcomed guests.
“You are sharing an important milestone with me. This is my first in-person scholarship luncheon and such a special opportunity for me to personally thank our generous donors,” said Danell, who celebrated virtually with donors and scholarship recipients during the pandemic.
The theme for this year’s luncheon focused on the question, “What is the true value of a scholarship?”
Cheyanne Ware, a non-traditional undergraduate student majoring in university studies with minors in Russian studies and public health, shares the value of her scholarship at the 2022 Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences annual scholarship luncheon. (Photos by Rob Taylor Photography & Design)
Lindsay Wentzel, a maritime studies program graduate student, has been able to participate in internships and research related to her area of study due to scholarship support.
Value includes not only the monetary benefit of accruing less loan debt, but also the flexibility that allows students to focus on the task at hand — learning. Students may take a life-changing study abroad trip, volunteer time and leadership skills through community service, or participate in a transformative internship, all without worrying about the financial cost.
“We simply can’t thank you enough for the impact your gift has on the academic lives and journeys of our students,” said Ashley Harzog, director of alumni relations and outreach for the college. “Your gift often translates to a weight lifted off their shoulders.”
During the luncheon, scholarship recipients mingled with donors, sharing their experiences and gratitude for the financial support. Three student scholarship recipients spoke as part of the formal program.
“My journey at ECU has been full of many twists and turns, in addition to navigating college life through a pandemic,” said Cheyanne Ware, a non-traditional undergraduate student majoring in university studies with minors in Russian studies and public health. “I often felt discouraged and as though I wouldn’t make a difference. Upon graduating this semester and ending my journey at ECU, I believe I can now say I have made a difference.”
Ware is a recipient of the University Studies Scholarship.
“This scholarship encourages me. It also inspires me,” she said. “I want to be able to give back to wonderful students striving to be the best versions of themselves, just like the donors in this room today.”
Rachana Charla, a Harriot College and Honors College junior majoring in biology and minoring in gender studies, received the Detlev M. Bunger Scholarship.
This academic year, 178 students in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences will benefit from nearly $303,000 in scholarship assistance from donors.
Rachana Charla, a Harriot College and Honors College junior majoring in biology and minoring in gender studies, is a recipient of the Detlev M. Bunger Scholarship.
“ECU has created a community that supports each other and is able to meet students where they are for them to flourish. Scholarships like this, and the generosity of these wonderful donors, are great examples of how ECU supports its students,” Charla said. “Being a recipient of a scholarship takes a huge burden off students and their loved ones. Thank you for giving me and my fellow peers the privilege to be able to afford a college education and focus on our studies.”
Lindsay Wentzel is a maritime studies program graduate student studying underwater archaeology through the college’s Department of History. She said she has been able to participate in internships and research related to her area of study due to scholarship support.
“This year, I was selected as a recipient of the Henry C. Ferrell, Jr. Graduate Scholarship in History,” Wentzel said. “Since coming to ECU in the fall of 2020, I have received more than $28,400 in graduate funding, with scholarships contributing $8,400 — $6,400 of which came directly from the Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. This has more than covered six semesters of tuition, fees and health insurance, leaving $11,000 to help with housing, living expenses, books and extracurricular activities.
“Through this generous support, and some savvy financial planning on my end, if I do say so, I have had some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that have both supported and complimented my academic study, pushing me to become a well-rounded and well-trained maritime archaeologist,” she said. “With sincere gratitude, thank you to the Harriot College community for your gracious and everlasting support.”
Harzog concluded the day’s program by reiterating the value of scholarships.
“I’ve seen firsthand what it means when students feel supported, seen and encouraged — a world of possibilities beyond Pirate Nation opens to them,” said Harzog. “I believe that scholarships and meaningful connections with alumni and supporters empower our students to achieve great things inside and outside of the classroom.”
Anyone interested in exploring ways to assist Harriot College students, whether via scholarship support or other avenues, may contact Harzog at clelanda18@ecu.edu or by calling 252-737-1753.
ECU is in the public phase of the Pursue Gold campaign to raise half a billion dollars. This ambitious effort will create new paths to success for Pirates on campus, across the country and around the world. Donor gifts during the campaign will keep us constantly leading and ready to advance what’s possible. Learn more at pursuegold.ecu.edu.