Since 2014, University Libraries has used their scholarship fund to help students meet the necessary financial needs to assist them in obtaining their college degrees. 

“We have a heart to help students succeed,” said Ken Burhanna, dean of University Libraries. “The university’s Students First priority is at the top of our minds in all that we do and to us, that means all students – regardless of their major, because the libraries serve everyone.”

Throughout the years, the scholarship endowment has grown, allowing University Libraries the fulfilment of offering $1,000 awards to more and more students each year. Currently, the fund is healthy enough to annually give eight deserving students scholarships. To ensure its continued growth, it is essential that donors support the scholarship through regular contributions and incentive programs, such as the Giving Tuesday campaign. 

Recipients of this year’s scholarship will go on to impact this world in many areas, including fashion design, healthcare, dentistry and education, to name a few. They have come to Kent State from areas, such as Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland, as well as nearby cities, including Akron and Cleveland. One thing they all have in common is that they, like many students enrolled in college, are in need of a little financial help to get them across the finish line to their degrees. 

N’Kihya, a senior who aspires to work in the maternal or adolescent healthcare field, used the scholarship to fund the remaining balance of her tuition. “I was close to receiving a hold on my registration. When I was notified that I had won the scholarship, I used it to pay my bill,” she said. “Someone donated money and literally, helped me finish school. Without this scholarship, I couldn’t register for the final classes that I need to graduate.”   

Another student already has an on-campus job to pay for tuition and living expenses. To avoid getting another job, which would leave little time for his course studies, Benjamin applied for the scholarship and is one of this year’s recipients. “I don’t come from a background of money,” he said. “The scholarship allowed me to bridge that gap, so I don’t have to go out of pocket this year. I don’t have to worry about money for a couple of semesters and I can focus on my studies and paying off some of my loans.”

In addition to financial support, University Libraries’ scholarship also gives students motivation to press on toward graduation. Many of them remark that receiving the award is an acknowledgement that people care enough to invest in them. Lauryn wants to be a fashion buyer in New York City. The scholarship not only helped her afford gas money as a commuter student, it made her very grateful that people who didn’t even know her gave money to help her afford to stay at school. “I’m so thankful for donors who made contributions out of the kindness of their hearts. It’s such a big thing!” said Lauryn.

For Adam, a senior who will go on to pursue a graduate degree so he can teach in higher education, feels that “patronizing student success is so admirable and very important to what we do for one another as human beings.” He said, “receiving this scholarship is a validating encouragement that the path I’m pursuing is the correct one.”

Aysha, a fashion merchandising major, who found herself struggling financially was grateful to learn that she was a scholarship recipient, as well as thankful to those who had contributed to the fund. “Being chosen to receive this scholarship gives me incentive to try my best,” she said. “Those who contributed to it have inspired me to succeed.”

Although each student applies the awarded funds in different ways, they all use the money to further their means to afford the quality education they are receiving at Kent State. Without the generosity of donors, many of these students – our future leaders – wouldn’t make it to graduation. Thank you for your continued support of Kent State students and University Libraries – we truly appreciate you and the impact you create. To take advantage of donation incentives, contribute to University Libraries’ Giving Tuesday Campaign through Tuesday, Dec. 2.