By Jennifer Nevins
For many students, the college experience does not end the minute they walk across the stage, diploma in hand, tassel flipped across cap. For some, that’s only the beginning. They remain involved with their alma mater by following sports teams or keeping up with friends they met in classes or other activities.
The UWAA recognizes that a positive student experience is a key factor in creating a long-lasting relationship with the college. Consequently, the UWAA has welcomed students into the University of Wyoming Alumni Pathway through scholarships and leadership programs, creating awareness of UWAA services in support of students.
As early as 1901, UWAA began providing a few small scholarships to deserving students. Over the decades funds grew tighter, so in 1978 UW entered into an agreement with UWAA to strengthen the scholarship program. That agreement did not end the financial difficulties, however. In the 1990s, UWAA began scholarship fundraising activities, such as an annual silent auction and the formation of the Scholarship Club. UWAA has increased the number of scholarships over the years and currently supports more than 50 students per year at the annual cost of more than $90,000. The program is supported entirely from private donations from nearly 500 alumni and friends.
Since 1980, we have distributed more than $1,700,000 in financial aid to deserving students. Recently, new awards have been added to support Wyoming community college transfer students, veterans and underrepresented multicultural students. Applications for UWAA scholarships are sent to every high school counseling center in the state, and they are available on the UWAA website. Out-of-state students are eligible for certain scholarships, as well, and are encouraged to apply. Good grades, test scores and demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities have always been keys to earning a UWAA scholarship.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have attended the UW School of Pharmacy as a recipient of the UWAA scholarship. It made it possible for me to attend college and graduate in a timely manner. The education I received has enabled me to serve my profession on a local, state, district and national level. It is important to give back as much as we can to our school and our profession and help as many students with scholarship support as we can.
Proud to be a UW alumna. Go Pokes!
Jennifer Nevins (B.S.P. ’76)
President
