Eliana Jones ’22 designed her own major in Meteorology Media and Journalism because she aims to become a broadcast meteorologist and journalist. “Thank goodness I am not shy about speaking in front of others,” she says.
Eliana’s work as President of PSU’s Black Student Union has garnered her praise and accolades, including the Campus Compact President’s Student Leadership Award. Around 50 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students and allies participate in the Black Student Union at events and meetings to experience solidarity, solace, and friendship while talking about challenges at PSU and how to make campus safer and more welcoming.
Eliana is also a proud participant of TRIO, a federal higher education program that provides students from disadvantaged backgrounds with necessary support to access services that allow them to earn their degree. “I could not have made it this far without the TRIO Program, which has been a big part of my journey and growth here at Plymouth State University,” Eliana says. “The people who run the program and help us students are supportive, kind, and inviting. The TRIO Program allowed me to be part of a PSU family.”
In 2021–2022, Eliana was a recipient of the Plymouth Opportunity Scholarship Angel Fund, which provides just-in-time financial support to deserving students who might not otherwise have the resources to continue attending Plymouth State. “Receiving this scholarship helps relieve my financial burden. Now I can focus on my classes and the memories that come with senior year.”
Ben Chipman ’22 is a Marketing major, a student-athlete on the hockey team and men’s team captain for two years, a member of PSU’s nationally-ranked competitive sales team, and active in the Student Business Advisory Council, the International Business Club, the Investment Club and the Honors Program. In 2021-2022, he was named the first recipient of the Robert Nadeau Professional Sales Scholarship, newly established by alum Kai Fowler ’13.“I have learned many valuable skills while taking part in PSU’s business school and I can apply them within numerous industries,” Ben says. “Whether it be joining a technology company and working with C-Suite executives to fulfil their cyber-security and software needs, pursuing a career in hockey team management, or working within business operations, I feel as though my time at Plymouth has prepared me for success in any field I choose.”
Kai Fowler’s contribution has a myriad of impacts beyond the financial support Ben receives. In establishing this scholarship, Kai honors a beloved mentor and demonstrates philanthropy’s importance to the next generation. “The contribution you have made to Plymouth in sponsoring this scholarship is greatly appreciated,” Ben shared with Kai, “and one I hope to similarly make once I have established myself in a professional sales career.”
