Academic Programs > Scholarships > Making a Difference
Making a Difference in the Lives of Students
Gretchen Downey
"I am writing to you to express my sincere gratitude for your support. I would like to thank you for the generous scholarship I received in your name at the University of Maryland for the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 academic years. This investment in my education has significantly assisted in the financing of my undergraduate education. I am currently a freshman and pursuing a Bachelor's of Science degree in Conservation Biology. I am also participating in the Gemstone Program which allows me to develop my research interests in a team setting. I am so fortunate to be able to attend UM-- my dream school."
John Hammond
"I would like to thank you for your help with paying my tuition. In fact, this scholarship is part of the reason I made the choice to attend the University of Maryland. I am a freshman in the Environmental Science and Policy major and a member of the Environmental Studies Scholars program. I am an avid lover of the outdoors and hope to have an internship this summer, either researching atmospheric science or engaging in some sort of outdoor study program. I recently chose my concentration within my major of Global Environmental Change, which studies the effects and changes in the atmosphere and our oceans. This area specifically interests me and I can't wait until I am able to take courses concentrating in these areas. Once again I would like to thank you for your contribution and hope that I am fulfilling your expectations."
Monica Hwang
"I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your generous contribution! With your support, I am able to continue (and excel in!) my studies at the University of Maryland. I am currently a sophomore double majoring in Animal Science and Microbiology with a sincere interest in becoming a veterinarian. But I also, like you, have a sincere interest in supporting others. These past summers I have traveled to Taiwan to teach English and to New Orleans to help with the Katrina effort. This would not have been possible without your financial support, and for that I am grateful."
Jamal Jeter
"I am writing to express my deep appreciation for your contribution to the James R. Ferguson Memorial Scholarship. I am currently a sophomore Animal Science major at the University of Maryland. This scholarship has been very beneficial to me in meeting my financial needs for my tuition this year. I am so grateful for the remarkable learning experiences that I have gained from various courses within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The lectures as well as the hands-on laboratory activities have greatly increased my interest in animal science."
Andrew Lala
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity, which has been of great assistance to me over the past four years. I'll be graduating this spring with a degree in landscape architecture. I hope to work in New York City at a firm where I'll have the chance to tackle some exciting projects. Your scholarship has been an integral part in helping me get to where I am now. Thank you."
Wanxin Liu
"I am a first-year student at the University of Maryland. I would like to thank you very much for accepting me as a recipient for the James and Sarah Goddard Memorial Scholarship. I love animals, and that is why I have chosen to study as an Animal and Avian Science major at the University of Maryland. Earth is a home shared equally by all life forms. Therefore, I believe that we need to conserve and protect wild animals in order to preserve the balance in the ecosystem. My future goal is to work with wildlife and to be a veterinarian who can help preserve their existence. This scholarship will aid me in getting the most out of my undergraduate education in order to accomplish something greater. Thank you for your help in the process of making my goals come true."
Hanna Poffenbarger
"I am writing to thank you sincerely for your sponsorship of my education. I am now a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying Environmental Science, with a concentration in Environment and Agriculture. I am interested in learning about ways in which food can be produced to feed the people of the world, while not damaging the environment that sustains us. The track that I have chosen for my studies reflects my upbringing; my brother and uncle practice small-scale farming and I have had the opportunity to gain hands-on farming experience through working with them. Authors such as Wendell Berry and Michael Pollan also influenced my interest in sustainable agriculture. I truly take pleasure in learning about this topic and have enjoyed the research experience that I have had thus far. I hope to one day perform research as a faculty member at a university."
Russell Reynnells
"Thank you very much for continuing to support my education with your generous scholarship. I am very excited about this upcoming semester since I will be taking some interesting classes. Among them is a class on Green Roofs and Sustainability practices. Additionally, I will be taking a series of shorter classes on Greenhouse management. I will also be taking Plant Physiology and Arboriculture. My last three semesters have been mostly CORE classes and Organic Chemistry, so it is very exciting to finally be taking a lot of courses on plants. I am changing my major to double in Plant Sciences, and Horticulture and Crop Production. I am looking at possibly going into the nursery industry. I am still working at the microbiology lab at USDA (at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center). In fact, my picture was in the July issue of Agricultural Research magazine for one of the projects that we were doing last winter and spring."
For more information, contact Tim Lapanne
Last updated: 10/14/2009