Last-Mile Scholarship Fund Check Presentation.
From Left to Right: Dean Karen Clanton; President Darren Dawson; OLLI at UAH Board President David Styers; OLLI at UAH Board Treasurer Janet Reville
Michael Mercier I UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) received its ninth president, Dr. Darren Dawson, in June 2019. In his honor, the OLLI at UAH Board of Directors welcomed him to the family by donating $1,000 to the UAH Last-Mile Scholarship Fund designated to the College of Professional Studies (CPS).
CPS is the home college for OLLI, and starting two years ago, offers a Bachelor of Arts/Science in Professional Studies (BPS). The degree format supports working adults returning to complete their undergraduate degree and current students that may no longer fit into a more traditional degree program.
OLLI at UAH Board of Directors.
Front Row (Left to Right): OLLI Program Manager Ale Pacheco; Judy Oljey; Ken Rex; Liz Kocir; Leah Black; Linda McAllister; Janet Reville. Rear Row (Left to Right): Dean Karen Clanton; Jill Stewart; Betty Koval; Cliff Lanham; Bob Darnall; David Styers; Terry Greenwood; Allan Williamson; Associate Director Fathia Hardy.
Michael Mercier I UAH
In celebration of UAH’s 50th year, the University introduced the Last-Mile Fund. This scholarship fund is provided to eligible upper-level students whose unmet financial need related to his or her academic expenses is the sole barrier to their graduation from UAH. President Dawson commented, “Without the benefit of a college degree, students who leave never get to see the full potential of the educational investment they have already made”. In the effort to assist students through the last mile, UAH will not only improve graduation rates, but also strengthen our standing within the community as more UAH students enter the workforce and contribute to the local economy.
OLLI at UAH recognized students seeking degrees in CPS would benefit tremendously from the scholarship, as most CPS students typically have more financial obligations than traditional students. BPS students have the desire, the will, and courage to return to school, and the OLLI Board of Directors wanted to do more to serve the students by making sure this time is successful!
Violet Edwards, UAH Development Officer, stated, “We are dealing with students who have started and stopped for a particular reason. I started graduate school in my 20’s and dropped out. I came back in my 30’s with three kids while “adulting” and if I did not have assistance, I would have dropped out again and never returned. Financial assistance is extremely important so our students don’t have to choose from either paying for their $500 chemistry book to graduate or making their car payment”.
President Dawson and Dr. Karen Clanton, Dean of CPS, were invited to OLLI’s first Weekly Bonus lecture of Fall term on Friday, September 20, 2019 to accept the donation. Members in attendance had the opportunity to meet President Dawson and learn more about the Last-Mile Fund.
