For many college students, a scholarship is so much more than just a check in the mail—it’s a bridge to their future career. For 78 Lander University students, a scholarship from The Abney Foundation has helped alleviate the financial burden of continuing their education this academic year.
Those 78 students were able to thank The Abney Foundation in person during a recent reception held on campus. The foundation has been funding scholarships at Lander since 1990.
For Taylor Williams, a sophomore business administration major with a concentration in healthcare management, scholarships are important in helping her pay for school because she plans to attend graduate school.
Williams said it was nice to be able to thank the foundation face-to-face, and planned to offer “a big thanks for the opportunity” and the foundation’s willingness to help fund the education of students like herself.
Robert Woodard, a sophomore physical education major, said he is thankful for the occasion to speak to The Abney Foundation. He said the scholarship gives him the chance to have part of his education paid for, allowing him to become a mentor for younger generations as he plans to teach in the future.
As of June, $1.8 million in scholarships have been awarded to Lander students on behalf of The Abney Foundation.
Dr. Lisa McWherter, executive director and vice chair of The Abney Foundation Board of Directors, was complimentary of Lander and its students during the reception.
“I never cease to be amazed with what all is going on here on campus and with your administrators and your student population, and everything is moving in such a forward direction,” she said. “It’s really, really respectable and we’re pleased to be associated with Lander in any small way.”