The MPW-Pay it Forward Business Scholarship was established by Ron Whitton ’80, Paul Koch ’80, Erick Miner ’78, Gary Ritchie ’83, Katie Hill-Gottesman ’01, and Nate Webb ’07 in 2015. The award recognizes student leaders with high involvement on campus and encourages professionalism in students beginning their careers. Last spring, students Ellie Carrier and Emily Ullsmith were recognized as recipients.
A senior international business major, Carrier said receiving the scholarship allowed her to focus on furthering her business skills and abilities. She is thankful for the support that allowed her to study in Spain during the summer, and she is hopeful the award will continue to impact her education as she pursues a master’s degree in business administration.
“I am very appreciative to have received the MPW-Pay it Forward Business Scholarship,” Carrier said. “Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to explore my passions for business in new ways.”
Carrier wasn’t sure where she would find her niche when she enrolled at Illinois State University. But she eventually became a leader in organizations like Alpha Kappa Psi and Special Olympics, enabling her to build leadership skills and pursue a position within the Disney College Program. Carrier now serves as president of Alpha Kappa Psi, a coed professional business fraternity, and says that her time at Illinois State has boosted her self-confidence.
The MPW-Pay it Forward Business Scholarship was the brainchild of College of Business alum and donor Ron Whitton ’80, who wanted to provide a unique opportunity for students and alumni to engage philanthropically with the University. Students are invited to pay forward their Illinois State experience when they contribute to a College of Business fund earmarked for students’ emergency expenses. Following graduation, the MPW-Pay it Forward Business Scholarship provides a pathway for graduates to further explore philanthropy by allowing them to make smaller contributions to the shared fund.
In order to qualify for the MPW-Pay it Forward Business Scholarship, students must demonstrate strong leadership skills within a registered student organization, particularly in connection with the College of Business.
