Scholarship Established in Memory of UAHuntsville Student

Students at UAHuntsville may soon see their academic pursuits shine a little brighter, while one young woman's aspiration will be fulfilled. Sarah Chapman, marketing major and communication arts minor, passed away last year after a tragic bicycling accident near campus.

Days before her death, Sarah told several of her friends that she wanted to be remembered as a "ray of sunshine" that brightened everyone's day. Now, friends, family, and many others who knew Sarah have all come together to make sure that it becomes a reality. Charles and Gloria Chapman have established the Sarah Chapman "Ray of Sunshine" Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of their daughter.

Those who knew Sarah through her classes and extracurricular activities, including the Student Government Association and the Kappa Delta Sorority, fell in love with her radiant personality and infectious smile. "She had her own style and a love for life," said Courtney Bean, a dear friend and fellow Kappa Delta member. "Her somewhat sarcastic sense of humor could make anyone laugh. Anyone who called her friend was truly blessed to have been a part of her life." Sarah and Courtney became close friends when Sarah moved into Courtney's dorm in the fall of 2006.

Lindsey Porter, another close friend and Kappa Delta member, recalls Sarah's healing hugs. "She always made my day [better] and made me smile. When I was having a bad day, I knew that I could go to her and she would truly make me feel better and give me the best advice. Sarah could cure anything with her hugs. She had the best hugs, and they always made you feel better."

Sarah left a huge impression, not only on her friends, but her professors as well. "Sarah is not on our campus physically anymore, but her spirit lingers here," said communication arts professor Kristin Scroggin. "You can find her in every Freshman's sigh of relief at finding that first true friend, every new member's squeal as they join their sorority, and every hard working student's inner-prompt to study more and try harder. You carry her legacy when you selflessly smile at someone in class you do not know, or willingly get involved in something new on campus. I am thankful for her sparkle in my life and grateful that her name will continue to be linked to making a difference (through scholarships) on the UAHuntsville campus."

Sarah's family set up the scholarship fund as a way to give back to the University, because Sarah loved her college experience at UAHuntsville. "As educators, we always taught Sarah the importance of education," said her parents, Dr. Charles and Gloria Chapman. "She was already thinking about which graduate school she would attend once she completed her Bachelor's Degree. We want the recipients to continue the love of learning and pass on that important lesson to their children."

Thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and many other people who wanted to honor Sarah's memory, the scholarship fund-set at $20,000-has been fully funded in less than a year. The Sarah Chapman Memorial Scholarship should be available for the first award next fall.

Even though Sarah is no longer with us today, she will always be a ray of sunshine in the hearts and minds of those who loved her-and those that benefit from this scholarship.