Kayli Holmes, engineering design student
The impact of scholarships:
Scholarships make it possible for Kayli Homes to focus on school and not hold down a part-time job during the school year. “It would add so much pressure to work during the school year. I see other students who have to work, and they aren’t able to focus on their schoolwork. I feel that I’m more prepared than I would be if I had to work because I’ve been able to focus on my schoolwork.”
To donors:
“Thank you so much. I’m so appreciative.”
Doni Graham, industrial and entrepreneurial engineering student
The impact of scholarships:
“Getting the Medallion Scholarship was life-changing. I’m the first kid in the family to go to college. WMU was my first-choice school, but I couldn’t afford to go without scholarship help, so I was planning on going to Oakland University and live at home. Then they called to tell me that I was a first-runner up and a Medallion Scholarship had become available and did I want it. I was so excited; of course, I wanted it! Receiving the Medallion allowed me to go away to school and get the college experience I wanted.
“Having these scholarships has allowed me to be in the WMU marching band, which has allowed for so many incredible experiences. I’ve performed at the Cotton Bowl and the Idaho Potato Bowl. The only time I’ve ever flown was with the band.”
To donors:
“Thank you. Getting the Medallion was life-changing. The scholarships (the Medallion and a scholarship from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences) have given me the opportunity to grow and experience options I wouldn’t otherwise have. I’m very thankful.”
Emma Dubensky, civil engineering student
The impact of scholarships:
“The scholarships have been really helpful in making my education more affordable. It helps me to be less stressed throughout the school year about paying for classes, so I can focus on my studies.”
To donors:
“Thank you for supporting the aspirations of students.”
Austin Dosh, chemical engineering student
The impact of scholarships:
“I felt more free to concentrate on school work. I haven’t had to work 30 hours a week because a portion of my tuition was covered by the scholarship (WMU Excellence Award). This allowed me to keep my grades up, so I qualified for the WMU CEAS Achievement Award.”
To donors:
“Thank you for allowing me to put more emphasis on my studies. Thank you for the college experience I’ve had.”
Elise Olsen, pre-engineering student
The impact of scholarships:
“These scholarships have made such a difference – knowing I’m going to have a degree I’m super passionate about but won’t have a lot of student debt and my being here doesn’t put a strain on my parents. They (the scholarships) made it possible for me to come here which I really wanted to do. I fell in love with the amazing engineering campus. It was a perfect fit.”
To donors:
“Any type of scholarship, no matter the amount or type, is reassuring for students to know that people are there to support you and help you through your college journey. Knowing that there are people who want you to be successful makes a difference.”