Leah McGrew, a nursing major from Starkville, Miss., is the recipient of the George W. and Mae H. Owens Scholarship. Created through a planned gift, this endowment helps scholars like Leah pursue their educational goals with less financial burden and more time dedicated to excelling in their coursework.
"I'm grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me over the course of this school year. I rely on grants, financial aid and student loans to cover my educational expenses, while working part time. This scholarship takes some of the weight off my shoulders, which means I can focus more on my studies."
Leah is working toward graduation in May 2022, and after completing her bachelor's degree, she dreams of pursuing anesthesiology. The nursing field will allow her to follow her passion for helping people and equipping them with knowledge of how to take care of themselves. The George W. and Mae H. Owens Scholarship aids Leah in becoming the first in her family to graduate from a four-year college, a blessing her entire family is thankful for.
"Sometimes I can't believe I have the opportunity to attend The University of Southern Mississippi, and I would not be here without such generous help. It is an opportunity I am very appreciative of and will cherish for a lifetime. It's such a special source of encouragement to know someone else also believes I will succeed."
Without support from the Owenses' planned gift, scholars like Leah might not have the same opportunities to pursue their dreams, changing their lives and the lives of those they will serve throughout their careers.
You Can Help
If you would like to explore different giving options such as naming Southern Miss as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, please contact Daniel Barton at daniel.barton@usm.edu or 601.266.6428.