Donor funded scholarships are essential. There are many stories of students who would have had to forego their college educations had it not been for the generosity of donors and the scholarships they received. Ashley Nilson lived one of those stories.

A senior from Spokane Valley studying neuroscience with minors in chemistry and Spanish, Ashley is a recipient of the Senior Scholarship Fund.  This generosity is what is allowing her to continue her education at WSU.

Created in 1999, the Senior Scholarship Fund is an endowed fund comprised of senior class gifts to provide scholarships for deserving undergraduate students, including incoming freshmen, at Washington State University. Funds raised through each annual drive are combined with those raised from each graduating class since the scholarship has been established.

The scholarship that Ashley received was a big help as she is funding her education entirely by herself. She said, “Scholarships like this one are the main thing that keeps Washington State University affordable for me. Thank you and the countless others for your support of my education. I appreciate this support.”

This support has allowed Ashley to continue studying health sciences, a field that she grew to love while in high school.  Ashley wants to follow her passion into a career as an interventional radiologist.

Over the years the Senior Scholarship Fund has assisted many students. The generosity of Washington State University alumni and friends has helped pave the way for many Cougs on their journey to accomplish their goals. Making dreams a reality one scholarship at a time.