April 20, 2022
A native of Gallipolis, Ohio, Madisyn Connelley found Shawnee State University to be a good fit for what she wanted in a college career.
“Shawnee seemed like a good fit because they are so welcoming to their students,” she said. “I knew I wanted to attend SSU after learning more about my degree program and the activities available for students.”
A recipient of the Friends of Shawnee scholarship her freshman year, she found that having the opportunity to receive a scholarship impacted the way Connelley values her educational and personal growth.
“This scholarship is helping me in my education without having to worry about where a payment would come from,” she said. “It brought me peace of mind knowing that I have help in paying my tuition and having a successful education.”
Majoring in Math Education for Adolescent-to-Young Adult ages, Connelley has dedicated herself to her studies in order to be eligible for scholarships at SSU.
“Receiving the Friends of Shawnee scholarship meant that I have kept up my grades and GPA,” she said. “I strive to be a successful student in hopes of gaining assistance.”
Connelley has gotten involved on campus by obtaining a job with the Office of Admission on campus as a tour guide and serving as an Orientation Leader this summer. She is also a member of many student organizations.
“I became a member of our new Spirit Band that plays at our home basketball games,” she said. “I also joined the Campus Ministry that is very involved in the Portsmouth community.”
Being given the opportunity to attend college more affordably meant a lot to Connelley. She is grateful to the different donors who help make scholarships like the Friends of Shawnee possible for SSU students.
“I greatly appreciate the committee’s decision to assist me with my education,” she said. “I will continue to prove they made the right choice by being a hardworking student.”
The Friends of Shawnee scholarship annually awards funding to SSU students in need of assistance to cover tuition costs. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the fund awarded over $30,000 in support to more than 30 students through the SSU Development Foundation.
To learn more about opportunities to support the Friends of Shawnee scholarship within the SSU Development Foundation, visit givetossu.com/friendsofshawnee.