Lenwood Sawyer of Long Beach, a freshman majoring in biochemistry at the University of Mississippi, was named an Ole Miss First scholar this fall.
Students selected for the scholarship demonstrate outstanding scholastic achievement, leadership and commitment to service. Over the course of their four years at Ole Miss, the scholars meet with mentors and attend monthly dinners, so they receive the support, guidance and encouragement they need to take chances, explore opportunities and make a difference.
"Ole Miss First is more than a scholarship," says program manager Rosie McDavid. "We create a family within the larger university family that provides nurturing mentoring, encouragement and support in whatever endeavors our scholars undertake. We celebrate their successes and help them navigate the challenges of college life.
"Through family-style monthly dinners, inspiring speakers and meaningful community service, we help prepare our scholars to become the leaders they have the potential to be in their careers, homes and communities."
The Ole Miss First scholarship program began in 2002 during the tenure of Chancellor Emeritus Robert Khayat. The program provides an average of ten scholarships a year, and each scholar selected for the program receives $4,500 annually for four years.
Whether they are future engineers, business professionals, graphic designers or fiction writers, Ole Miss First scholars find common ground in their desire to succeed. The scholars come from various backgrounds, each possessing unique characteristics that help make the Ole Miss First scholarship program a truly special organization.
