Nearly 70 nontraditional students were recognized for their academic achievements during the annual scholarship luncheon held by the Office of Adult Students and Evening Services (OASES).
Twenty-seven of the honorees were awarded Osher Reentry Scholarships established through an endowment by the Bernard Osher Foundation, and 11 students were recognized with the Carol Ann Douglas Reentry Scholarship. Also, for the first time, the Foundation for the Carolinas provided support for the ANSWER and Gratitude Endowment scholarships.
“Adult students bring unique qualities and a sincere commitment to pursuing their degree, often while balancing family responsibilities outside the classroom,” said Janet Daniel, OASES director. “Our donors’ support of these students is extremely important, and this support goes beyond their generous financial support as many serve as mentors to their scholarship recipients.”
Alumnus Robert Hall (’08) was among the speakers at the recognition luncheon. He completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas. He is director of innovation for DAK Americas.
Prior to undergraduate studies, Hall was a third-shift forklift driver working 75 hours a week. As he spoke about his past, Hall noted he knew that higher education was the path to a better future, and through “discipline, drive and determination” he achieved his goal. “No matter what happens – keep going,” Hall encouraged current students attending the luncheon. In 2013, Hall established a scholarship to aid other nontraditional students in pursuit of their dreams.
Current students and scholarship recipients Cheryl Ross and Brandon Shore also delivered remarks at the recognition luncheon.
Ross, a junior biology major who aspires to attend dental school, compared returning to school to the film “Back to the Future.” She explained that UNC Charlotte is like the DeLorean time machine; it enables students to reshape their lives. And the time machine is powered by the flux capacitor. At UNC Charlotte OASES donors are the institution’s flux capacitors. “They are personally invested in our success, and their generosity is enabling us to recreate our future.”
A one-time magician’s assistant, Shore is a senior pursuing a degree in exercise science. The 32-year-old will be the first in his family to obtain a college degree. He said growing up the expectation after high school was to enter the workforce. He eventually moved to Las Vegas, where he worked in David Copperfield’s magic show. When an injury sidelined him, Shore had the chance to re-evaluate his career options. Working with a physical therapist motivated him to return to school and help others recover from injuries. He stated, “I have a greater appreciation for this institution now than I would have had when I was younger.”
Scholarships that OASES administers in addition to the Douglas and Osher Scholarships are the Altrusa Mildred English, Altrusa Bonnie Cone, Altrusa Bettie McEwen, Viola Billue Altrusa, Reentry Kathi Baucom, Virginia Bufkin, Friends of UNC Charlotte, Robert Hall, Carl McEwen, Mrs. Carl McEwen, James McCormack University Rotary, Metropolitan Business and Professional Women Ruth Moss Easterling, Susan Ainsworth, Fran and David Taylor Nontraditional Student, Sarah Wilson, Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society and Pinnacle Honor Society.
Outside scholarships promoted by OASES are Women Initiating and Nurturing Growth, ANSWER, Philanthropic Education Organization, Gratitude Endowment and Rick and Karen Haag.
Photo: OASES scholarship recipients who attend the recent recognition luncheon.