When an alumnus
or community member buys an SUU license plate, it does more than allow free
parking on campus; it also helps fund needed scholarships that change the lives
of students.
One such student
is Alexis Molnar, a senior graphic design major from Las Vegas, Nevada, who came
to Southern Utah University and worried about making ends meet. At one point,
she worked two jobs while going to school full-time and maintaining a 3.91 GPA
through 76 credits.
Molnar said her
scholarship allowed her to gain new experiences by serving in the graphic
design club and volunteering as a graphic designer for the SUU Admissions
Office, and less time worrying about making ends meet.
“When I found
out that I had received this scholarship, I was brought to tears,” Molnar said.
“I have been able to work less and focus more on my upper division coursework. During
this time, I also received scholarship housing which helps my husband and me
even more. This scholarship is a blessing to our lives and I am forever
grateful!”
A shock came to
Kelton Chapman, a junior communication major from Oak City, Utah, when he
received a scholarship that was solely funded by SUU license plates. Chapman
said he is grateful for alumni and community members for supporting SUU.
“It means a
great deal that other people are willing to sacrifice something to help me in
my schooling,” said Chapman, who plans on graduate school after he graduates
from SUU.
Another student
who has her sights set on graduate school is Hadlie Visser, a sophomore
elementary education major from Layton, Utah. Visser loves to read, be outside
and plans on becoming an elementary school teacher after her SUU graduation.
“Not only does
it (the scholarship) help me pay for school, but it also gives me confidence in
myself,” Visser said. “Knowing that someone else believes in me enough to help
me through school makes me feel more able to achieve the things I want to in
college.”
Single mother
of one and full-time student, Heather Gow, a freshman from Hampton, Virginia,
came to SUU even though odds were against her finishing her education after she
was divorced.
Gow said she is
willing to do anything to provide for her child who was diagnosed on the autism
spectrum, which meant going back to school.
“The
scholarship showed me that I have support here at SUU and there are people
willing to invest in my future,” Gow said. “When all the odds seemed stacked
against me, having the support makes all the difference!”
“All of us at
SUU are so grateful for the support alumni and community members give our
students,” said Mindy Benson, vice president for alumni and community
relations. “Scholarships funded through the SUU license plate program do make a
difference, and your support is vital to our students’ educational success.”
Alumni and
community members wishing to purchase an SUU license plate and assist a student
with his or her education, can do so for $25 at your local Utah Department of
Motor Vehicles office. For more details, call the Alumni & Community
Relations Office at 586-7777.
