Office of Disability Services 2013 scholarship reception

Jeff Vernooy, director of the Office of Disability Services, addresses students at the 2013 scholarship reception.

The Office of Disability Services held their annual scholarship reception on April 3. Financial aid awards and scholarships were given to students with disabilities who have excelled in academics, overcome adversity and demonstrated exceptional merit. Each award is for the 2013–14 academic year.

Office of Disability Services Scholarship for Minority Students

Aundrea Byrd is a middle childhood education major and would like to start a school for the Deaf that mainstreams hearing students. $500.

Ohio Lions Helen Keller Scholarship

Nicholas Engel is a second-year student majoring in integrated science. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and is an active participant in Ohio’s STEM Ability Alliance, among other organizations. $3,000.

Shirlisa Scott is an English major with plans to continue her education in creative writing and to become a playwright. $3,000.

Michael Emrick Scholarship

Kyle Grand is a first-year student majoring in computer engineering. $2,000.

Thomas C. Faye Scholarship

Matthew Franey is a first-year student who is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering to specialize in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. $1,000.

Grabowski Family Scholarship

Barry Brown is a social work major. Upon the completion of his degree, Brown hopes to work with disabled combat veterans. $500.

Office of Disability Services Scholarship for Students with a Learning Disability

Samantha Hunter is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. $500.

Office of Disability Services Scholarship

Megan Goettemoeller is a fourth-year student majoring in social work with a minor in rehabilitation services. Following graduation, she hopes to continue her education to obtain a master’s degree. She would like to someday work in a children’s hospital as a social worker. $500.

Eric L. Friedland Scholarship

Veronika Zbrizher is a third-year student majoring in psychology and French. Once she graduates, she hopes to explore opportunities in psychology and utilize her knowledge of other languages to make a difference in the world. $500.

Office of Disability Services Scholarship for First-Year Students

Nerissa Johnson is an incoming first-year student who plans to major in theater studies. $500.

Fred White Endowed Scholarship

Kenny Burr is a fourth-year student, pursuing a degree in political science, who has been on the Dean’s List with highest honors all four years. $200.

George Vernooy Independence Prize

Mallory Holler is a fourth year student, majoring in rehabilitation services. Once she graduates, Holler plans to hold a career that involves direct contact with individuals with disabilities, service animals or working in the criminal justice field.

Jessi Kelbley is an organizational leadership major who seeks to become a wedding planner upon her graduation next year.

ACB Ohio Scholarship

Whitney Johnson is a middle childhood education major. Johnson has participated as a peer mentor and speaker for Disability Services for the past two years. $2,000.

Fairborn Lions Scholarship

Jessica Adams is a third-year student, majoring in social work. Upon graduation, Adams hopes to work at Goodwill Easter Seals to help others with disabilities. $650.

Shirlisa Scott is an English major with plans to continue her education in creative writing and to become a playwright. $650.

Samantha Laux Scholarship

Katrina Rigdon is a criminal justice major who plans to continue her education to become a forensic psychologist. $1,000.

Fred White Prize

Dan Darkow is a second-year student majoring in management information systems. Darkow has dreams of being a database administrator or a director of technology for a small company. $500.

Michael Emrick Leadership Fund

Veronika Zbrizher is a third-year student majoring in psychology and French. Once she graduates, she hopes to explore opportunities in psychology and utilize her knowledge of other languages to make a difference in the world. $1,500.

Alex Woodall is a second-year student majoring in mass communications and Spanish. Woodall is a member of the National Honor Society among a myriad of other organizations. $1,500.

Lee R. & Mary Kaye Menke Scholarship

Jennifer Renner is a fourth-year student majoring in management and human resources. Upon graduation, Renner plans to earn an M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing. $3,000.