There's More to the Student Opportunity Fund Than You Realize

Each student at Utah State University has a unique story and purpose for attending our school. Many students are happy to explain the impact scholarships have on their educational experiences. 

One of these scholarships is the Student Opportunity Fund, sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, or CHaSS. This scholarship allows students in the college to keep the dream of completing a higher education within reach. It has helped both of these students achieve their educational goals.


SYMONE CALDWELL

“Me and my family are currently below the poverty line. For me, for what I want to do in my life and my life goals, college is the only way for me to get there. For me to attend college and have funding to go to college, makes a difference in my life.”

“Thank you for investing in me. I really do appreciate it. You’re the reason that I’m here, and I hope to live on your legacy.”

 SAMUEL ABBOTT

“My choice to be a history major was based on a really good professor, it matched my interests, and it’s something that I’m easily motivated to do.”

“I’m a Hubbard Family Scholar, and that means I've expressed excellence in both writing and environmentalism. This scholarship has given me a lot of extra time, and it also gives me motivation. When I know I’m working on someone else’s dollar I put a lot more effort into it.”

Thank you for supporting students at USU so generously with your time, talents and donations. There are many ways to continue that support; so much more than giving money. Getting involved in your community helps spread the Aggie legacy of service, and keeps the Aggie spirit alive in many cities and countries. 

Utah State is about more than education. It's about an experience of learning and serving and growing. 

How has your education helped you better serve your community? 

How you've helped: The Student Opportunity Fund

Utah State University is constantly searching for new ways to develop student scholarships. One college established the CHaSS Student Opportunity Fund to encourage alumni and friends to ensure that higher education continues to be a dream within reach of students from all walks of life.

Over the next week we will be highlighting some of these students, as they tell their own stories.

BAILEY MCMURDIE

“Being a woman in sports broadcasting definitely isn't easy. People look at me differently because I don’t want to be a sideline reporter. I want to be in the action, getting all of that stuff on camera.”

“If I could say anything to the donors: there are so many hardworking kids, and I was blessed enough to have donors like Deseret Digital Media who recognized something that I did. That made me work harder.”

Bailey is now working for FOX 13 News in Salt Lake City as a sports producer and reporter.

Visit her profile here: http://fox13now.com/author/kstubaileymcmurdie/ 

CHRIS ELLSWORTH

“Studying here at Utah State and especially being in the ROTC program has really taught me that I can do hard things, and that I can actually push myself a lot harder than I ever imagined that I could.”

“Leadership, for me, is about having people trust you, and allowing them to confide in you.” 

“Although our program is a lot smaller today, being able to be a part of that legacy is a privilege.”

Each recipient has a unique story, but they have all have benefited from scholarships in order to gain an education. Because of the hard work they put into their schooling here at USU, they will be valuable additions to the work force and more importantly, the world.  

As Alumni, you play a critical role in the success of these students, and others at Utah State. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, loyalty and sacrifice for the benefit of these great students.