Carolyn and I recently teamed up with local philanthropists Aubrey and Sally Strul to help create a brighter future for talented, low-income, first-generation students. Established with a generous $1 million gift from the Struls, the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program will put a degree within reach for smart and capable students who may just need a little help to realize their potential.

The goal of the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program is to help develop well-rounded, workforce-ready students who graduate in four years or less, with no debt. Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars receive a full scholarship package, mentoring, coaching about financial literacy and career planning, internship opportunities, and are encouraged to make their mark on the university and meet other students by joining a campus organization.

Carolyn and I are very proud of this initiative and very thankful to the Struls for their partnership. Their generosity will change the lives of generations of future Owls, who come to this university seeking opportunity through education.