Thank You for Your Generosity and Support!

Donor gifts transform lives, opening doors to education and empowers students to achieve their dreams. Hear directly from our students about the incredible difference your support has made in their journeys.

   Jared Ragsdale, B.S. Music and an Outside Field '24

 “Receiving support multiple times from the Dean's Grant Fund allowed me opportunities to invest in my career beyond the classroom I would not have had otherwise. The Dean's Grant Fund allowed me to travel to Colorado, Massachusetts, and California from March 2023-May 2024. On each of these trips I met and networked with rising professionals and professionals in my area of study; collaborated with individuals; and took valuable steps in preparing for graduate school. Having access to a resource like this is something that sets the College of Visual and Performing Arts apart from other universities one could choose to study at. The Dean's Grant Fund is one of the many aspects that makes me a proud graduate of PFW and makes me all the more thankful I chose to be a Mastodon.”

   Stella Grable, English and History student

 “I’d like to thank the donors for the Dettmer COLA Endowed Scholarship. Because of your generosity, I have been able to dedicate my time to widening my studies. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my academics without fear of financial burdens. I have been able to participate in things like the CO-LAB program and the student research symposium, complete a semester-long internship, attend two academic conferences, and even begin studying a second foreign language this summer. I can’t say enough thank yous for how many opportunities this scholarship has provided me.”

   Maddie Ludwig, Speech-Language Pathology Masters student

 “As the recipient of the FW Sertoma Club CSD Scholarship, I wanted to thank you for your generous donation that has made attending college much more affordable. My mom is a single mother, and I have noticed from a young age how much she has provided for me and for others. Since I was a child, I have wanted to work in some way to help others and make an impact. When I was a Senior in high school, I decided that my goal was to attend PFW, obtain a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and enter the career of speech-language pathology. Attending PFW has given me the opportunity to remain in my hometown with my family while receiving an excellent education.”

   Ian Ripple, Business Accounting student

 “I hope you can appreciate how life-changing the Doermer Distinguished Scholars Program has been to me. I am living the life that I have dreamed about ever since I was a little kid that I never thought would be possible this early in my life. Thank you so much for this scholarship. It has been a huge blessing in my life. I hope this letter blesses you by demonstrating how you are making a difference in the lives of the next generation by providing life-changing educational opportunities.”

   Amar Lokmic, Civil Engineering student

 “I’d like to express my gratitude for the support you have granted me in my academic endeavors. Through the Zollner Engineering Scholarship, I’ve been able to begin my journey into engineering without having to carry a financial burden. Not only has your generosity helped me financially, but it’s also shown me that there’s someone out there who cares about my dreams and aspirations, which keeps me working hard and striving to be the best I can be. I truly thank you for that.”

   Kenzie Kreider, Psychology & Human Services student

 “As a recipient of the Isabella Blaettner Memorial scholarship that you created and funded, this scholarship has meant so much to me this year, giving me the opportunity to take amazing classes and to get myself out into the community. One of the first things I did was look up Isabella. Reading about her passion of supporting and advocating for minority communities was inspiring, and I’m more than honored to be held to a similar candle to her. I will try to make her proud in what I do for the rest of my life, and I hope you and her other loved ones get peace through supporting students like her. Thank you so much for the gift of your donation, and the perspective you gave me through this process.”

   Garrett Laney, Computer Engineering student

 “As a recipient of the Churchward scholarship that you funded, I want to thank you for helping me continue my education at Purdue Fort Wayne. Especially with me and my brother going to college together, my parents helped us a little with expenses with books, but we paid our own tuition in full. When I was a kid, I bought my first desktop, and although I had no idea how it worked, I was intrigued with how everything could be put together into a coherent running pc. With my curiosity, I took computer classes in high school and now take classes at PFW for a Computer Engineering bachelors, and one day, after I graduate, I can look back and be proud of what I’ve accomplished.”