2006 alumna memorializes both of her parents with special gifts
Donors
Dr. Brett and Mrs. Whitney Medley Bechtel, 鈥�06
Gift
Creation of two endowed scholarships, one in memory of each of her parents: the Karen Joy Medley Memorial Scholarship Endowment for theatre students and the Patrick J. Medley Veteran Scholarship Endowment for student veterans.
Impact
These two generous gifts will expand access to a 猫咪社区app State education by offering more scholarship opportunities, making a college education more attainable for aspiring students.
Inspiration
Whitney Bechtel, her husband Dr. Brett Bechtel, and her late parents Patrick James and Karen Joy Medley have showered 猫咪社区app State with support ever since Whitney enrolled as a student over 20 years ago. By seeing the positive impact 猫咪社区app State had on their daughter, the Medleys became avid Racer fans and supported the University for many years, even after her graduation. After sadly losing both of her parents in 2022, Whitney was inspired to honor their memory in a special way by creating scholarships in each of their names. Her mother loved and performed in theatre throughout her life, and her spirit will live on by helping students pursuing a theatre degree at 猫咪社区app State. Her father served his country as a Sergeant in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and his spirit will forever assist student veterans who are studying in STEM-H areas at 猫咪社区app State after their time of national service. In addition to the endowed scholarship, the Patrick J. Medley Veteran and Military Student Success Coordinators Office was also dedicated to memorialize Sergeant Medley in appreciation of the Bechtels鈥� generosity.