Nilanjana
“For international students—like me—who are pursing higher education, studying in the United States is a dream come true,” says Nilanjana, a graduate student from Bangladesh.
When Nilanjana decided to pursue a master’s degree in marketing analytics and insights, she discovered that Wright State University was one of only 22 American institutions of higher education to offer the program.
Receiving the University Center for International Education Graduate Merit Scholarship further sealed the deal in her decision to attend Wright State.
“Scholarships, like this, help me to achieve my dreams and move one step closer to becoming a marketing analyst in the United States,” says Nilanjana.
Erin
“When you are a student trying to pay for college, every scholarship means the world,” says Wright State junior Erin Gemmer.
A fine arts major with a concentration in painting, Erin is a recipient of the Elaine Davis Endowed Scholarship. As a single parent, Elaine knew she would not be able to afford college tuition for her three children. In 1985, she began working in an administrative position at Wright State, where her children could benefit from reduced tuition.
Elaine’s youngest child, Joel Huxley, studied painting at Wright State and received his bachelor’s degree in 1998. To honor his mother, Joel and his husband, Ryan King, established the Elaine Davis Endowed Scholarship. Thanks to this scholarship, Erin Gemmer will be able to graduate with less student debt and pursue her dream of a career in art restoration.
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to have received this scholarship,” says Erin. “It takes me one step closer to obtaining a degree that will allow me to pursue a career in the arts—my lifelong passion since I could pick up a pencil at 18 months old.”
Ben
“Scholarships have really been a saving grace,” says Wright State student Ben Osborn. “They can make or break a semester.”
The Goldenberg Scholarship for Asian, Hispanic, and Native American Students is one of the scholarships that have made a difference in Ben’s life. The scholarship was created by Kim Goldenberg, the fifth president of Wright State University, and his wife, Shelley.
Along with providing much-needed help with tuition, scholarships have given Ben the freedom to become an active member of the Wright State community, where he serves as president of the Association of Native American Students and treasurer of the Latinx, Asian, and Native American Council.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in social sciences education, Ben plans to continue his journey at Wright State and earn his master’s degree. He hopes to teach American government, U.S. history, and Native American history and culture in a public high school.
Thanh
“Scholarships have really been a saving grace,” says Wright State student Ben Osborn. “They can make or break a semester.”
The Goldenberg Scholarship for Asian, Hispanic, and Native American Students is one of the scholarships that have made a difference in Ben’s life. The scholarship was created by Kim Goldenberg, the fifth president of Wright State University, and his wife, Shelley.
Along with providing much-needed help with tuition, scholarships have given Ben the freedom to become an active member of the Wright State community, where he serves as president of the Association of Native American Students and treasurer of the Latinx, Asian, and Native American Council.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in social sciences education, Ben plans to continue his journey at Wright State and earn his master’s degree. He hopes to teach American government, U.S. history, and Native American history and culture in a public high school.
Jacob
“Paying for college is a big stretch for my family, especially with my siblings all going to college soon,” says mechanical engineering major Jacob Iller, who is also a member of the Wright State men’s soccer team.
Thanks to the John Pirelli Lodge Italian-American scholarship, Jacob doesn’t have to worry as much about financing his tuition. Funded by the John Pirelli Sons of Italy Lodge, the scholarship provides financial assistance to students of Italian descent at Wright State University while also helping to preserve and promote Italian culture in the region.
“I have a goal of graduating from college with little debt, and the John Pirelli Lodge Italian-American Scholarship is really going to help out a lot,” says Jacob.
After graduation, Jacob hopes to work for an engineering firm, possibly in the field of aerospace engineering.
“Aerospace engineering is in my family blood,” he says. “There are many things on display that my grandfather worked on at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.”
Harshini
Harshini Mallipeddi, a graduate student studying pharmacology and toxicology, is a proud recipient of the Raj Malhotra Education Fund, which provides scholarships for students from India who are studying at Wright State. The fund was started by Raj’s parents, the late Pran and Isabelle Malhotra, who were successful immigrants from India who aspired to help others.
“I have been working hard to save money for my tuition, but my on-campus, part-time job has not been enough,” says Harshini, who is grateful for not only the financial support that the scholarship provides, but also the vote of confidence it gives her in her abilities and future career goals.
“My dream of receiving a master’s degree from Wright State is moving forward thanks to this generous scholarship,” she said. “I am committed to my education and one step closer to becoming a toxicologist in the United States.”
A three-time Wright State graduate, Raj Malhotra recently decided to rename the scholarship the Pran Malhotra Education Fund to honor his father. He hopes the scholarship will inspire future recipients to follow his father’s lead and persevere until they have achieved their dreams.
“My father believed in the power of your mind and your attitude and hard work,” Raj explains. “It may be difficult to be an immigrant or a foreign person in this country, but stay the course. Believe that you can do it and begin taking the next steps today.”
Charline
“Scholarships have definitely made a difference in my life,” says Wright State senior and supply chain management major Charline Phung. “They have reduced the financial burden of attending college and allowed me to focus on my studies and get the most out of my college experience.”
Charline is a recipient of the Asian Student Scholarship, which is designated for students of Asian descent who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is supported by donations and funds raised by student and community organizations.
“Scholarships help me achieve my dreams by opening doors to opportunities that I have never considered,” Charline explained. “They have allowed me to meet new and wonderful people on the way to achieving my dreams.”
After graduating from Wright State, Charline hopes to travel and get a job in the field of supply chain management. She plans to utilize her strong leadership skills to make an impact in her profession and her community.
D’Kaylah
D’Kaylah Whitley has wanted to be an actress for as long as she can remember. In her native state of Georgia, she participated in several high school plays, musicals, and competitions. “My senior year, I was fortunate enough to visit Wright State and I loved the environment, the faculty, the campus, just everything,” says D’Kaylah, a musical theatre major. “I sat in on a few classes, and I appreciated the teaching styles and the energy overall. I committed to Wright State a few weeks later.”
Scholarships have played a critical role in D’Kaylah’s ability to attend Wright State. She is the recipient of the Faculty Academic Scholarship, which provides tuition support for out-of-state students, and the Three Arts Scholarship for fine and performing arts majors.
“I am so thankful to be a scholarship recipient, because it assists me on my journey toward my dreams and aspirations,” says D’Kaylah. “If I did not have the scholarships, I don’t know if I would be at this university.”
After graduating from Wright State, D’Kaylah plans to move to New York City and start auditioning for Broadway companies and national tours. To further expand her career options, she will also audition for entertainment opportunities on cruise ships. Performing in Broadway shows, acting in movies, and creating and producing her own music are among D’Kaylah’s future career aspirations.