The following excerpts are taken from letters written by Scholarship recipients. In the letters, students express their heartfelt appreciation for the scholarships they received, made possible through the generous support from alumni, friends, parents and benefactors.

“Higher education merits the ability to give back and help others achieve their dreams.  You are helping me realize my potential and passion. The world is a better place by having generous people like you in it. By assisting young people, you set an example for my generation to reciprocate. Having a giving heart, performing random acts of kindness, and lifting someone’s burden are some of the most important things we can learn to do in society.   Education is the key to the future and it is something that no one can take away from you.”   Melanie Hovatter, Evelyn Bracey Scott Endowed Scholarship

“I want to thank you for extending your thoughtful donation to me. It truly means much more than words can express to receive such a generous contribution for my educational career.”  Justin Ward, Mattingly Scholarship

“I appreciate this scholarship, and the work you’ve done to create it. I hope that one day I will be in a position to give this same type of gift to someone else.” Andrew Pierce, James G. Lollar scholarship

“By receiving the Jason Rooker Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Music Therapy, I will be able to continue and complete my Music Therapy education. It allows me to continue going to school without the necessity of working a full time job to be able to afford my tuition and living expenses. I have greatly appreciated your assistance over the past two years, and continue to be grateful for the support that you so generously provide.”  Amanda Lynn Murray.

“I would like to extend, from my family to yours, our gratitude for providing me with the opportunity to win this honorable scholarship.  There were a lot of people affected by the attacks of September 11, 2001, and winning this scholarship is truly an honor and a privilege. Your family has given students who wre touched by this tragic event an opportunity to succeed through academic excellence, and I thank you for that.”  Eric Slockbower, Jeff Price Family Scholarship.

“I am very grateful for this award and have great respect for individuals who are willing to help others, just as you are helping me. Although you have never met me, you were willing to allow Radford University to select me through this process and I cannot express my gratitude. I hope that someday, I will be able to make a dfifference to someone else the way you have to me.” Yanil Escobar, Christopher T. Mirch Memorial Scholarship.

“With two children, my wife and I work very hard to make it possible for me to finish my education and maintain my 3.55 GPA.  I currently work part-time with the Radford University Outdoors Program where I feel I have learned so much and have also been able to give back to other students and the University.  The Sandi McPherson Memorial Endowed Scholarship will allow me to continue to focus on my studies and achieve my goal of graduating from Radford University . My family and I will show our gratitude by carrying on Sandi McPherson’s love for the outdoors and the Park System and passing the knowledge on to others.”  Joshua Trayers, Sandi McPherson Memorial Endowed Scholarship. 

“I am very honored to receive this prestigious award, and I am very thankful for the financial help it offers.  This gift is truly appreciated because it has opened many opportunities for my future, and hopefully I can use the knowledge I gain in college to make the world a better place for everyone.  Some may say this goal is naïve or is impossible to accomplish, but I believe differently. Through small steps, big dreams can become reality.” Erin Fowler, Phi Sigma Pi Scholarship.  Erin is also a recipient of the Dr. Gail Stone Endowed Partial Scholarship.