Ohio University Chillicothe recognizes scholarship donors and recipients

Ohio University Chillicothe honored the generous contributions of the benefactors who have endowed and donated to scholarships for OHIO Chillicothe students and celebrated the accomplishments of student scholarship recipients at their annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Roberta Milliken, dean of campus and community relations, welcomed scholarship donors, alongside student scholarship recipients and their guests as they gathered to connect and celebrate.

“We are truly fortunate to live in a community that respects and understands how important providing accessible and meaningful educational opportunities is to its members, its overall health, and its prosperity,” Milliken said. “We recognize the value and contribution of your continued assistance through scholarships and other donations.”

Milliken remarked that donors who fund scholarships give to Ohio University Chillicothe for many reasons. Some have personal connections as alumni and wish to recognize the impact OHIO Chillicothe had in their lives. Others may want to recognize the importance the institution played in the lives of a family member or honoring a treasured friend or relative.

Bob Austin, who with his wife Marcia, endowed the Robert and Marcia Austin Scholarship, spoke about why they chose to endow a scholarship to benefit OHIO Chillicothe students. The Austins moved to Chillicothe 50 years ago, raised their children and found a sense of community in Chillicothe.

“We wanted to give back to the community and looked at needs here,” Austin said. “We thought that if we could help some students, we could help them and the community.”

Austin said endowing a scholarship at OHIO Chillicothe is a good way to give back to the community that has been such an important part of their lives.

First-year pre-nursing major Kailee Adkins, and junior early childhood education major Hannah Thompson shared their appreciation for the scholarships that enable them to focus on their studies at OHIO Chillicothe.

“Because of the scholarships I have received, I can focus solely on my education and my future of becoming a nurse and helping others, rather than worrying about my tuition costs and the financial burden,” Adkins said.

Thompson said the scholarships she receives represent hope and opportunity.

“These scholarships acknowledge my efforts and determination,” Thompson said. “It reassures me that my hard work is recognized and valued, inspiring me to strive even harder. These scholarships allow me to focus on my education rather than worrying about the financial burden. My scholarship money not only goes towards my tuition and fees, but also helps me with books, technology, and other resources to help me in college.”

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, Ohio University Chillicothe, through The Ohio University Foundation, provides support to students through 58 endowed scholarships which translates to $118,000 in scholarships awarded this year. During the 2023-24 academic year OHIO Chillicothe students received over $600,000 in support through both institutional general funds and endowed scholarships from The Ohio University Foundation.