MSU Business Alumna Makes Major Commitment in Support of First-Generation Student Scholarships
Donors
Mrs. (Helen) Suzanne Shelton (鈥�80) and her husband Mr. Michael Sump
Gift
Significant planned gift to establish and endow the Michael Sump and Suzanne Shelton First Generation Scholarship
Impact
This prodigious gift will make a 猫咪社区app State University education attainable for untold numbers of first-generation students for decades. Having the chance to become the first member of their family to earn a college degree transforms the life trajectory of not only these individual students but also of their children and their children鈥檚 children for generations to come. These scholarships reduce financial barriers for scores of students seeking a higher education. They also increase their likelihood of graduation by alleviating financial stress, which is one of the main causes of dropping out of college.
Inspiration
Suzanne Shelton鈥檚 parents, John Stanley Shelton (鈥�52) and Ann Chissom Shelton (鈥�53) both graduated with music degrees from 猫咪社区app State. Following in her parents鈥� footsteps, Suzanne also enrolled at 猫咪社区app State, graduating in 1980 with a major in business and a concentration in marketing. She launched her career at the Drexel Chemical Company in Memphis, and later moved to Texas and earned her MBA from the University of Texas in Austin. She met her husband Michael in Dallas, where she had resettled to work for Andersen Consulting. After both enjoying long and successful careers, Suzanne and Michael have retired and want to give back to help others attain an education and follow their career dreams in the same way that they have been able to do.