The LaRocco Family Scholarship

Korrin B.

August 22, 2010 - 2:50 PM

I am a firm believer in the fifth year. In fact, I could not have imagined my college career without it. I am ready for this final lap. I have a lot to look forward to, including writing my thesis, getting more connected with organizations in Eugene, and getting to relax a little more into the next transition of my life. The only worry I really had about my fifth year was, of course, the funding. As the price of higher education continues to rise, it is easy to feel the pressure to just get in and get out. However, because of generous donors, I am able to complete this very important year in my college experience with less stress from financial hardship.

For the 2010-11 academic year, I was awarded The LaRocco Family Scholarship. I got to read a little bit about the scholarship and it turns out that the LaRocco family decided to start the scholarship after their daughter had attended the UO. They are a family based out of my home state, California. I am honored to be able to represent them next year through my studies.

This is the first year that I have received a scholarship where I get to correspond with my donors. I am very excited with the opportunity to be able to update them on what their generous donation is allowing me to do. I will have so much to share with them this year. After working in the development department this summer with The Carter Center, I know how important these types of relationships are. Donors are more than what they give to an organization. They are a friend and a person wanting to be involved in something they feel passionately about. I want to be able to reach out to them and acknowledge them for their wonderful gift.

I really hope that I get the opportunity to give back some day and offer a student the same chance that the LaRocco family is offering me. I am very grateful.