By Tiffany Thatcher
Asst. News Editor
Two students have come back to school to finish what was started years ago. The scholarship these students have received is in place to help non traditional students in their times of financial need.
Of the 44 students who applied this year for PACE, eight fit the criteria; and of the eight, two were chosen and awarded money. Amy Baird, the new PACE scholarship and service committee chair, helps to make this decision.
Baird said the fund was put in place in 2010, and the interest is now used to give two scholarships out each year. This year the winners were Karlie Rachel Hardman and Luke Ray.
According to Baird, the PACE scholarship fund started when “some funds were found, which the task force did not know they had.”
“They then met together and determined the criteria and purpose [for the scholarship],” Baird said. “It’s for those having a difficult time finishing school.”
The amount awarded is a one time $500. For eligibility a student is to be a Utah resident and be at least a Junior in a bachelor degree seeking program with a 3.0 GPA. The student also needs to have attended the two previous semesters with at least six credit hours.
The winners were both juniors, and each have at least a 3.0 GPA. Both are non traditional students since those with financial need are favored. The recipients are also chosen based on their essays and letters of recommendation.
Hardman is a PACE scholarship recipient. She got her associates in graphic design in 2005, then stopped attending UVU for some years. She is now working toward a bachelor’s degree in secondary education to teach art to high school students. Hardman is a working mother who has found a new love for teaching.
“I realized in addition to being a great designer, I’m actually good at teaching others, and love doing it,” Hardman said.
Hardman struggled an high school with learning disabilities, but has found new confidence as a college student, and is excited to teach. She believes her experience with learning disabilities will help her in teaching students with similar struggles.
Ray, the other recipient, is a communications student majoring public relations. Although Ray got an AS degree during high school by going to UVU with concurrent enrolment, he later found himself stuck in a sales job with no opportunities for advancement without a bachelors degree.
“In my mind, I didn’t need school, I thought I could succeed in life without it,” Ray said.
Ray is now working toward finishing his undergraduate degree and has completed six graduate school applications. Ray has a goal of becoming a brand manager and is doing full-time work on tip of full-time school so he can save up for a masters degree.
“Heading into the last year of my undergraduate education, I have been focused on saving as much money as I possibly can for graduate school,” Ray said. “I am already working full-time while taking nearly a full-time school schedule… [with the PACE scholarship] I have been able to keep that money in savings and I am that much closer to achieving my dream of earning an MBA from a top-notch business school.”
Hardman and Ray fit the criteria well, and were graded in three categories against the other applicants. The categories for the PACE scholarship are, campus engagement, academic goals and promise, and financial need.
April 1, is the due date for all applications for the 2012-2013 PACE scholarship.
“If students are interested they can talk to campus employees,” Baird said.
