SOU Foundation Announces Akerill Scholarship Recipients

Two students receive in-state tuition and fee scholarships for 2010-11
(Ashland, Ore) The Southern Oregon University Foundation announced Senior Jay Harrower of Ashland and Sophomore Shayne Mesa of Medford as the 2010-11 James and Betty Akerill Memorial Scholarship recipients.  The scholarship is the result of a recent $1.2 million bequest and will provide tuition and fees for both students.
“This scholarship will allow me to further my artistic and business knowledge.  I intend to start a local business when I graduate to give back to the community that has given me so much since our family moved here in 1996,” said Harrower, an art major and business minor.
More than 70 students applied for the scholarship for full-time undergraduate students over 25years with proven financial need.  The two students were chosen by the SOU Foundation Board Selection Committee.
“Attending college full time while supporting my wife and two children was challenging.  Scholarships for students in my current situation are gratifying,” said Mesa, a biology major.
Both students were highly recommended by their professors.  “Shayne is the type of student professors relish.  I believe he has the intellectual abilities, personality and motivation to succeed in any endeavor,” said John Roden, biology professor.
“Jay gives 500% of himself to his work, his students and my students,” said Robin Strangfeld, art professor.
“The students selected for this award are a tribute to James Akerill, who was a nontraditional student himself,” said Sylvia Kelley, VP for Development and Executive Director of the SOU Foundation.  “James and Betty saved everything they had to provide better lives for SOU students.  Jay and Shayne are now a part of this legacy.”
The James and Betty Akerill Memorial scholarship will be available next year on SOU’s online financial aid site, SOSA. For more information on SOU financial aid, call Enrollment Services at 541.552.6600.

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