Western Kentucky University students Avery Pope and Tameka Ferguson have been awarded the 2023-2024 WKU Libraries Connie Foster Student Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship aims to provide financial support to students pursuing their academic goals. 

Avery Pope, a junior double majoring in Philosophy and Political Science with a certificate in Strategic Communications from Elizabethtown Kentucky, expressed her excitement about winning the Connie Foster Student Scholarship which will alleviate some of the financial burden associated with her education. As a student with courses that require extensive reading, the scholarship will contribute towards the cost of books, making her academic journey more manageable.

"It means a lot to win this scholarship," Pope stated. "I am honored that the selection committee has chosen me as the recipient. I was actually at the library when I found out I won, so it was a nice surprise!"

Avery Pope learned about the scholarship through TopDollar and the staff at WKU Libraries, where she has been working for two years. Starting her position in the fall of 2021, Pope has been a meaningful part of the library's circulation desk on the 4th floor of Cravens. Reflecting on her experience, she shared her admiration for the library staff and the positive environment they foster.

"My favorite part about working at the library is the people there and how much I have learned," Pope expressed. "The library staff is always positive and uplifting. They care about the well-being of the student workers and are always checking in on us. Had I not taken the student worker position, I would not have met some of the best staff on WKU's campus."

In addition to enjoying her interactions with library staff, Pope also values the opportunity to engage with fellow students from different majors and departments. She finds it fascinating to learn about their areas of study and gain insights into disciplines beyond her own.

Looking ahead, Avery plans to attend law school after graduating from WKU in May 2024. While she has yet to decide on a specific institution, she will be taking the LSAT this summer as part of her preparation.

Tameka Ferguson, a junior majoring in Computer Science from The Bahamas, expressed that winning this scholarship has had a profound impact on her education. Not only does it make her education more affordable, but it also serves as a source of encouragement for her to excel in her studies. "It lifts a burden off of my parents on the amount they pay for my tuition and fees," Ferguson expressed gratefully.

Ferguson first learned about the scholarship while working at WKU Libraries, where she served as an Evening Security Student Assistant. During her time at the library, she found the staff to be incredibly welcoming and helpful, making it a great community to be a part of. While Ferguson couldn't recall a specific standout experience, she emphasized her appreciation for the supportive environment.

As for her plans for the future, Tameka Ferguson is interested in becoming a Java developer, although she acknowledges that her career path may evolve over time. With the financial burden alleviated by the scholarship, Tameka can now focus on her studies and explore her passion for computer science.

This scholarship not only eases the financial burden on students and their families but also serves as a testament to their dedication and potential. We believe that investing in our students' education is an investment in their future success, expressed Susann de Vries, Dean of WKU Libraries. "We are proud to support their academic journey and look forward to witnessing the impact they will make in their chosen fields and beyond." 

For more information on the Connie Foster Student Scholarship Endowment, go to https://www.wku.edu/chf/conniefoster/index.php