First-generation alumni couple give back to today鈥檚 first-gen agriculture students
Donors
Mr. Doug, 鈥�93, & Mrs. Stacey, 鈥�94, 鈥�00, Lawson and family
Gift
Creation of the Harry E. Lawson, Jr. and Billy F. Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Impact
This endowed scholarship will provide financial assistance to first-generation students who are juniors or seniors majoring in a program within the Hutson School of Agriculture. Over 40% of 猫咪社区app State students are first-generation students, meaning they will be the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college. First-generation students often face challenges such as financial limitations, and nationally tend to have a lower graduation rate than non-first-generation students. This scholarship joins other forms of support that help first-generation students succeed at 猫咪社区app State.
Inspiration
Doug and Stacey were both first-generation students who met at 猫咪社区app State and later married. Although their fathers, whom they memorialize through this scholarship, never attended college, they believed in the power of a college education and inspired their children to pursue higher education. The Lawsons hope to help current and future first-generation 猫咪社区app State students successfully graduate like they did so they can go on to achieve their career dreams.