RECOGNITION SOCIETIES
1887 Society
The 1887 Society of Troy University is an exclusive society that exists to recognize
donors who have made annual gifts to the University for the last three or more consecutive
years. As a member, donors are recognized with a welcome packet, a commemorative certificate,
a custom logo lapel pin and invitations to seminars, athletic and special events on
campus.Make a Gift Now
TROY Shield Society
The Shield Society recognizes donors who have committed a Legacy Gift to Troy University.
A legacy gift is a planned estate gift made through a will or living trust, beneficiary
designation, IRA charitable rollover, certain real estate, a donor-advised fund, or
charitable lead trust.
For more information about making a legacy gift, please visit https://www.troyshieldsociety.org, email us at legacygiving@troy.edu, or call (334) 670-3608.
The Arts & Science Alliance
The Arts & Science Alliance is comprised of the most elite and faithful donors to
the College of Arts & Sciences. The Alliance welcomes donors who give $1,000 or more
annually to any CAS fund, while those who have graduated in the last 15 years are
eligible through a minimum contribution of $500. Contributions can made throughout
the year to reach the Alliance level and can even be established by signing up for
smaller monthly recurring gifts.
White Coat Society
By donating $100 or more, you can join the White Coat Society and make an immediate
impact on the life of a nursing student. You will be able to hear from students and
faculty and see how your generosity truly made a difference. This is an annual giving
initiative that will assist undergraduate nursing students in purchasing necessary
medical items such as scrubs, coats, shoes, stethoscopes, and even smaller items like
badge holders, bandage scissors, and clipboards.
Troy Humanities Alliance/ THA
THA is a body of friends, alumni, supporters, and patrons of Troy University's College
of Communication and Fine Arts. THA promotes the well-being, advancement, and success
of CCFA by assisting administrators, faculty and staff through enhancing and engaging
its network of supports. Give annually to CCFA at a level that is meaningful to the
member. Giving tiers include: Designer Circle - $2,500 per year; Performer Circle - $1,200 per year; Authors - $500 per year; Reporters - $300 per year; Ensemble Members - $100 per year.
Make a Gift Now
College of Education Dean's Leadership Circle
The Dean's Leadership Circle is an annual giving recognition society for donors who
contribute $1,000 or more annually to any Troy University's College of Education fund.
Leadership giving within the College of Education plays a dynamic and vital role in
proving annual support to the College. Gifts at the Dean's Leadership Circle level
can be made in support of faculty and students through investments in scholarships,
capital projects or for operational support of the College.
Make a Gift Now
2024 NEW ENDOWED FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Owen Wayne Lewis Memorial Scholarship
Owen Lewis was quick to laugh, always ready with a hug, and eager for the next ride on his "cool bike." Although Owen's time on Earth was cut tragically short, it was brimming with love. In February of this year, Owen's parents, Troy University professors Onick and Heather Lewis, established the Owen Wayne Lewis Memorial Endowed Scholarship to ensure the love their son had carries forward into the lives of others. Owen's scholarship assists students majoring in social work, human services, or hospitality, tourism and event management on Troy University's main campus. Recipients must be first-generation college students with a 2.5 GPA. Applicants are required to submit a 250 to 400-word essay describing their need for financial assistance and the obstacles they had to overcome to be the first in their family to attend college. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held in March.
Barry Baker Endowed Scholarship
Philip Barry Baker is a two-time Troy University graduate, a member of the College of Health and Human Services Advisory Council, and a long-time supporter of his alma mater. In March 2024, he established the Barry Baker Endowed Scholarship to assist students pursuing a degree in kinesiology and health promotions within the College of Health and Human Services on Troy's main campus. Preference for this scholarship is given to students from Chilton County, Alabama. Recipients must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA and showcase a strong work ethic, selfless dedication, and perseverance throughout their time at Troy University. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held in March.
Matthew Spencer Awbrey Farmhouse Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Matthew Spencer Awbrey graduated from Opelika High School in 2023 before enrolling at Troy University. While at Troy, he became an active brother of the Farmhouse Fraternity and served at the Wesley Foundation. Matthew is remembered for his gentle spirit, devout faith, and contagious laugh. After Matthew passed suddenly in 2023, James and Jodi Wells knew they wanted to honor his memory. So, they established the Matthew Spencer Awbrey Farmhouse Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Matthew's scholarship is awarded to pledges or brothers of Farmhouse Fraternity who meet all the standards and requirements of the organization and have a 2.7 GPA. The Troy University Office of Student Services selects recipients. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the family of Matthew Awbrey and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held in March.
Central America Endowed Scholarship
Enterprise Christian Youth Camp established the Central America Endowed Scholarship in 2024 to assist students native to Honduras who are pursuing a degree on Troy's main campus in Troy, Alabama. To be eligible for this award, students must have completed their studies at the Great Commission School in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, or have served as an interpreter at the Honduras Baptist Medical Dental Mission located in Honduras. Recipients must have and maintain a GPA of 2.0. The Troy University Scholarship Committee selects recipients in collaboration with the Great Commission School. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held in March.
Alex and Jane Whaley Endowed Leadership Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students on the Troy University campus in Troy, Alabama with first preference to be given to students from Pike County, Alabama. Recipient must have and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients not meeting this requirement are subjected to lose their scholarship. Scholarships may be either merit-based or needs-based. Recipients will be selected by the Troy University Scholarship Committee. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and must attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Claude K. and Diana K. Ward Endowed Scholarship
In 2024, Troy University alumni Laura Ward established the Claude K. and Diana K. Ward Endowed Scholarship to honor her beloved parents. This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in communications on Troy University's main campus, with preference given to female students from Elmore County, Alabama. If there are no applicants from Elmore County, the scholarship is open to any students majoring in communications, male or female. Recipients must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Barbara Patterson Endowed Scholarship for Student Involvement
Barbara Patterson was Troy University's Director of Student Involvement and Leadership for almost forty years. During that time, she mentored and helped countless students achieve their academic and personal goals. Mrs. Patterson made a profound and undeniable impact on TROY. After her retirement in 2024, the Trojan Family came together to establish the Barbara Patterson Endowed Scholarship for Student Involvement to honor her legacy and assist student leaders. The Office of Student Services awards this scholarship to students attending classes at the Troy, Alabama, campus. First preference is given to current presidents of the Student Government Association, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council, or the University Activities Council. Second preference is given to active leaders within student organizations on campus. Recipients are required to write a letter of appreciation to Barbara Patterson and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
Hummel Family Endowed Scholarship
Troy University alumni Chris and Kim Hummel established the Hummel Family Endowed Scholarship to give back to their beloved alma mater and assist students enrolled at TROY's main campus. To qualify for this scholarship, students must be of the Christian faith, be members of a Southern Baptist Church or a PCA Presbyterian Church, and have a 2.5 GPA. First preference is given to students from Shelby or Jefferson Counties in Alabama. Applicants are required to provide a letter from their church pastor validating their membership.
Scott and Colleen Sport Endowed Accounting Scholarship
Troy University alumni Joseph Scott Sport established the Scott and Colleen Sport Endowed Accounting Scholarship to give back to his beloved alma mater while also assisting the hardworking accounting majors of the Troy Campus. First preference is given to students from Crenshaw County, Alabama; second preference is given to students from Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Dale, or Pike counties in Alabama; third preference is given to first-generation college students. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have successfully completed Principles of Accounting I and have a 2.5 GPA. The Carr School of Accountancy Scholarship Committee selects recipients. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Choral Endowed Scholarship
Laura Aaron Mixon is a two-time graduate of Troy University; she received her bachelor's and master's in music education, with a focus on choral music, from TROY before soon returning as a member of the faculty. Laura's teaching career spanned sixteen years, during which she touched the lives of countless students and church choir members throughout Alabama. When Laura passed suddenly in April 2024 her beloved friends came together to establish the Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Choral Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in Choral Music Education on Troy's main campus in Troy, Alabama. To qualify for this scholarship, students must be classified as either a junior or senior, have a 3.0 GPA, and provide evidence of their commitment to advancing choral music education and spreading "light and love" through the choral arts. Recipients are selected by the choral faculty, designated administrative faculty, and the Troy University Scholarship Committee. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
Jon Heath Pay It Forward Endowed Scholarship
Samuel Jon Heath is a proud two-time graduate of Troy University, receiving both his bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from TROY. In 2024, Samuel established the Jon Heath Pay It Forward Endowed Scholarship to showcase his gratitude towards the University and inspire other alums to establish their own scholarships. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must attend classes on the Troy, Alabama campus and be either undergraduates with a declared major in Accounting or enrolled in the Master of Accountancy Program. First preference is given to students enrolled in Intermediate Accounting I or students in the master's program. Recipients must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA. The Carr School of Accountancy Scholarship Committee selects recipients. Students who receive this scholarship must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
2024 New Current Foundation Scholarships
Dothan Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship
The Walter Scott Foundation is a non-profit that provides funds to organizations specializing in medical research and education. In 2024, the foundation established the Dothan Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship to assist students pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing on Troy University's Dothan Campus. Preference is given first to students in the nursing apprenticeship program and second to students from Dothan, Alabama. Recipients of this scholarship must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA. The Troy University Scholarship Committee selects recipients. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held in March.
Pike Community Scholarship
When Jane Vickers began her freshman year at Troy in the fall of 2020, she knew she wanted to be involved in as many community and school organizations as possible. From serving as the Chi-Omega New Member Educator Assistant to founding a new mentorship program with the Boys and Girls Club, Jane worked hard to make a positive impact on Troy, both the city and the University. Her involvement gave her insight into the community's needs, leading her to establish the Pike Community Scholarship. Awarded to students from Pike County, this scholarship funds the recipient's tuition for four years. To qualify for this award, undergraduate students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA and have financial needs, as proved by their FAFSA application. While first preference is given to incoming freshmen from Pike County, if there are no qualified freshmen applicants, the scholarship can be awarded to a Pike County resident of any academic classification. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Wiregrass Radio Broadcast Scholarship
Wiregrass Radio and its various stations have been a reliable source for local news, weather updates, and good music for their listeners for decades. By establishing the Wiregrass Radio Broadcast Scholarship in 2024, they also became a source of financial assistance for Troy University students. For this scholarship, preference is given first to students majoring in communications with an interest in broadcast communications and second to students majoring in either business or marketing. Recipients of the award must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Along with one $1,500.00 scholarship, recipients will receive an unpaid internship opportunity with Wiregrass Radio. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Ryan Wilkes Achievement Scholarship
In 2002, Jonathan Ryan Wilkes was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This genetic disease results in the weakening and breaking down of muscles over time. Despite this diagnosis and being told it would be unlikely that he would live to see his 20s, Ryan continued to fight and defy expectations. After graduating from Luverne High School in 2012, Ryan enrolled at Troy University, where he achieved his Bachelor of Science degree in Multimedia Journalism. After passing in 222, Ryan's parents, Randy and Cathy Wilkes, established the Ryan Wilkes Achievement Scholarship to honor their son and all he accomplished with the time he was given. This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in journalism on Troy's main campus with a physical disability, as determined by Troy University's Coordinator of Adaptive Needs. First and highest consideration is given to students with muscular dystrophy. Recipients must have and maintain a 2.75 GPA. Potential recipients are referred to the Scholarship Committee for selection by the Coordinator of Adaptive Needs. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Matthew Spencer Awbrey Farmhouse Memorial Scholarship
Matthew Spencer Awbrey graduated from Opelika High School in 2023 before enrolling at Troy University. While at Troy, he became an active brother of the Farmhouse Fraternity and served at the Wesley Foundation. Matthew is remembered for his gentle spirit, devout faith, and contagious laugh. After Matthew passed suddenly in 2023, James and Jodi Wells knew they wanted to honor his memory. So, they established the Matthew Spencer Awbrey Farmhouse Memorial Scholarship. Matthew's scholarship is awarded to a pledge or brother of Farmhouse Fraternity who meets all the standards and requirements of the organization and has a 2.7 GPA. The Troy University Office of Student Services selects the recipient to receive one $1,000.00 scholarship to cover the cost of tuition or books. The recipient must write a letter of appreciation to the family of Matthew Awbrey and attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held in March.
Floyd E. Rodgers Scholarship
Floyd E. Rodgers graduated from Troy State in 1972 before beginning his career in civil service at Fort Novosel, where he retired as the Director of Resource Management. After retirement, Floyd served as a board member for All In Credit Union until his passing in 2023. In memory of their long-time member, All In Credit Union established the Floyd E. Rodgers Scholarship to assist incoming freshmen pursuing degrees in the Sorrell College of Business on Troy's main campus. First preference is given to students from the Wiregrass Area who are All In Credit Union members. If there are no qualified incoming freshmen pursuing degrees in the Sorrell College of Business, the scholarship is open to incoming freshmen of any major. Recipients of this award must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA. The Sorrell College of Business Scholarship Committee selects recipients to receive the annual $1,000.00 scholarship to assist with tuition and fees. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Choral Scholarship
Laura Aaron Mixon is a two-time graduate of Troy University; she received her bachelor's and master's in music education, with a focus on choral music, from Troy before soon returning as a member of the faculty. Laura's teaching career spanned sixteen years, during which she touched the lives of countless students and church choir members throughout Alabama. Laura passed suddenly in April 2024, and to honor her legacy, her colleagues and friends came together to establish the Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Choral Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in Choral Music Education on Troy's main campus in Troy, Alabama. To qualify for this scholarship, students must be classified as either a junior or senior, have a 3.0 GPA, and provide evidence of their commitment to advancing choral music education and spreading "light and love" through the choral arts. Recipients are selected by the choral faculty, designated administrative faculty, and the Troy University Scholarship Committee. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Chasity Dione Barnes Memorial Scholarship
Chasity Dione Barnes received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Troy University before joining the ranks of the staff as the Community College Relations Coordinator. Chasity was a headstrong, focused individual who worked hard to achieve her goals. In March 2009, Chasity's life was cut tragically short after a brief illness. Amanda Granger, Chasity's sister, established the Chasity Dione Barnes Memorial Scholarship to commemorate her life, enduring spirit, and resilient soul. Chasity's scholarship is awarded to deserving incoming freshmen attending classes on Troy's main campus in Troy, Alabama. Preference is given to African-American students from Coffee, Houston, Henry, or Dale counties. To qualify, applicants must have GPA and ACT scores that meet the conditional admission requirements, exemplify high moral standards and values, and realize the importance of quality education. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their ACT scores and resume highlighting their volunteer and community activities. The Troy University Scholarship Committee selects recipients to receive a $1,000.00 scholarship. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Trojans Teaching Trojans Scholarship for the College of Education
Troy State Normal School was established in 1887 to train teachers for Alabama schools. The school's first teaching certificates were issued the very next year, in 1888, when Troy established itself as a leader in the field with highly sought-after graduates. Troy's long and successful history of teacher preparation is a crucial aspect of life in Troy, Alabama, and the reason the City of Troy established the Trojans Teaching Trojans Scholarship that assists students pursuing a degree in education on Troy University's main campus. Recipients of this award are required to serve in the Troy City School System as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Troy City Schools, the City of Troy, and the Troy University College of Education. This is an invitation-only scholarship by the College of Education Selection Committee, which will both identify and select recipients. Teacher candidates who receive scholarship funds for consecutive terms will be, at the discretion of the College of Education and availability of funds, eligible for an additional $5,000.00 of scholarship support if they choose to and are selected to intern with Troy City Schools. Recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the donor and attend the scholarship donor and recipient reception held each March.
Martineau Memorial Scholarship
Troy University alum Tabatha Martineau and her husband, Clint, were dedicated community members and proud volunteers with the Tree of Life, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves the state of Georgia by helping individuals with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. Mrs. Martineau served as the Chief Financial Officer for four years, spending countless hours performing vital tasks that will have a lasting impact at Tree of Life for years to come. On May 9, 2024, Mrs. Martineau transitioned from this life to the next at only fifty-six years old. The love of Tabatha's life, Clint Martineau, served twenty-one years in the United States Air Force before retiring as an F-111 and F-16 avionics and flight control system specialist. Together, the Martineau's volunteered their time, energy, and hearts to assist with various Tree of Life programs, and to honor their commitment and dedication to service, the organization established the Martineau Memorial Scholarship. Students with a disability, as determined by the Troy University Coordinator of Adaptive Needs, receive the first and highest consideration for this scholarship. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 GPA and attend classes on TROY's main campus in Troy, Alabama. Potential recipients are referred to the Scholarship Committee for selection by the Coordinator of Adaptive Needs. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and are encouraged to attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
Selena Hughes Memorial Scholarship
Selena Hughes was a beloved member of her community, known for her caring heart and generous spirit. As an avid supporter of the Troy Trojans, she spent every gameday cheering on her favorite team. After Selena's sudden passing in October of 2024, her friends and family came together to establish the Selena Hughes Memorial Scholarship, to honor the life of their beloved friend in a way that she would have approved. Selena's scholarship is awarded to fifth-semester nursing students pursuing their degree on Troy University's main campus. One $1,000.00 scholarship is awarded annually to recipients who must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Recipients must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and are encouraged to attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
FEATURED STORIES
New scholarship will help students complete Accounting undergraduate degree at TROY
The newly created Scott and Colleen Sport Endowed Accounting Scholarship will help rural students become successful.
Applicants must have passed Principals of Accounting I to be eligible and have a 2.5 grade point average, and preference will be given first to students from Crenshaw County, then to applicants from Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Dale or Pike counties. If no applicants are from those areas, then preference will be given to a first-generation college student from any county.
Scott Sport is a 1986 graduate of the Sorrell College of Business, having completed his undergraduate degree in accounting. He went on to earn an MBA from Auburn University. He is a partner in accounting firm Ernst & Young's Strategy and Transactions practice with more than 35 years of public accounting, corporate development and private manufacturing and distribution experience.
He currently serves as EY's Global Leader for Transactions & Corporate Finance.
A native of Luverne, Sport's father, Joe Rex, was a TROY alumnus and long-time educator in Crenshaw County, eventually serving as superintendent there. His two sisters became teachers as well.
“As I became successful, I set up the Joe Rex and Barbara Sport Scholarship at TROY to both honor my parents for all they did for me and to help others from Crenshaw and surrounding rural communities pursue their own education at TROY,” Sport said. “I am very pleased that we have been able to support a number of students in their educational pursuit.”
Similar to his initial scholarship, he hopes to provide the same help specifically to Accounting students at TROY, in turn empowering those students to “pay it forward” to future generations of TROY students.
“While at TROY, I majored in Accounting. In doing so, I found that it provided a solid foundation for business acumen and underlying financial skills that enabled my career progression . . . When I look back at the key ingredients to my success and advice I would pass on to others in Accounting, I would say: (i) always be learning, (ii) take some chances and (iii) reinvent yourself as new opportunities arise,” Sport said. “These, coupled with hard work and some good fortune, have allowed me to have a rewarding career.”
JR Eason, Director of Development at TROY, said Sport's support is invaluable to the growth within the Carr School.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Scott to establish his second scholarship endowment. We cannot thank him and his family enough for their continued investment in making college more affordable for TROY's students,” Eason said. “The scholarship will be instrumental in recruiting accounting students, especially from this region of Alabama, and will be impactful for the Carr School of Accountancy for many years to come.”
In the end, Sport said he'd found a deeper appreciation for the University and the Sorrell College.
“As I look back to my time at TROY, I most fondly remember the teachers (Mr. [Gene] Sherman, specifically) who took interest in my education, and the friends I have made at TROY,” he said. “Over the years, I have also come to appreciate just how much TROY means not only to me, but to many others from rural communities with backgrounds similar to my own, and who are seeking education as a vehicle for success in their careers and lives.”
Alumnus Baker gives back to help TROY Kinesiology and Health Promotion students
Troy University helped to lay the foundation for Barry Baker's successful career in the areas of sports medicine, physical therapy and exercise science. Now, the two-time TROY alumnus is giving back to help future students to follow that same path.
Baker has established The Barry Baker Endowed Scholarship to help deserving students who are pursuing a degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion from TROY.
Baker, the owner of Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness in Clanton, Alabama, has spent his entire career in the fields of sports medicine, physical therapy, kinesiology or exercise science. His business, which he opened nearly 24 years ago, serves both physical therapy and fitness and wellness needs and employs 30 full- and part-time employees.
“My whole adult life has been in the fields of sports medicine, physical therapy, kinesiology, and exercise science,” Baker said. “I have a daughter, Anna Kathryn Baker, at TROY now that is in the program. I just wanted to do something in that area for students who are pursuing the path of some sort of allied health field.”
While the scholarship will give preference to qualified students from Chilton County, Baker said his main interest is helping hard-working students who want to pursue his beloved profession.
“I grew up in Chilton County. I live in Clanton,” he said. “We have had quite a number of students from this area go to Troy University over the years. If there is someone from this area that qualifies, then I would love for them to be considered but I didn't want to limit it just to Chilton County. My own experience, I noticed that a lot of scholarships may say you have to be at a certain income level or have a certain GPA. I really wanted to put an emphasis on someone that works hard and has some grit about them.”
The scholarship is the latest way that Baker is giving back to his alma mater. He has also served on the advisory board for the College of Health Sciences.
“Over the last few years, I have come to realize the importance of alumni being involved and doing what they can to support, give back and work to strengthen Troy University,” Baker said. “To me it is personal. TROY has done so much for me with my education and contacts. I could never repay Troy University for all it has done for me. It, its faculty, its administration has just done so much. I will always be indebted to Troy University.”
Baker, who is legally blind, said the faculty did so much to help him be successful and admits that he remains in touch with many of those professors today. However, one story of his time at TROY still resonates with him today. It involved a phone call during his senior year from TROY Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
“I'm legally blind and a couple of years before I came to TROY, Dr. Hawkins came from the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind to be TROY's Chancellor. I was the trainer for the baseball team my senior year, and we had been at the conference tournament,” Baker said. “I had missed a lot of school traveling with the team, and I was really worried about it because I cared about my grades. Somehow Dr. Hawkins found out about that, and he called my hotel room on a Sunday, and told me not to worry, that everything was going to be fine. I was just a month or two from graduating, and he told me that my professors would work with me. Maybe he knew who I was because I was a student with a disability involving my vision. I'm sure he doesn't remember making that phone call, but it really helped to set my mind at ease and showed me how much he and Troy University cared about students.”
Baker said endowing the scholarship was another way he could give back to the school that had given him so much.
“I think when you are young and you get out of school, you are at a place in your life where you may be getting married or buying your first home. Life is happening and it is happening fast,” he said. “As I got older and began to look at all the things the University did for me in my life, and I just wanted to be involved in any way that I could to help. I wanted to be involved in the college that I went through to hopefully make it better for the next students that come through. I want to continue to support it through the years in any way that I can.”
For more information on establishing a scholarship at Troy University, please contact the Office of Development at (334) 670-3297.
2024 Donors stories
New scholarship will help students complete Accounting undergraduate degree at TROY
https://today.troy.edu/news/sport-accounting-scholarship/
Alumnus Baker gives back to help TROY Kinesiology and Health Promotion students
https://today.troy.edu/alumni/alumnus-baker-gives-back-to-help-troy-kinesiology-and-health-promotion-students/
Scholarship pays dividends for TROY education students, Troy City Schools
https://today.troy.edu/news/scholarship-pays-dividends-for-troy-education-students-troy-city-schools/
Proud alums create an endowed scholarship to help students experience TROY
https://today.troy.edu/news/proud-alums-create-an-endowed-scholarship-to-help-students-experience-troy/
New bench on TROY's campus bears name of former Dean of Enrollment
https://today.troy.edu/news/new-bench-on-troys-campus-bears-name-of-former-dean-of-enrollment/
Troy University surpasses Giving Day goal for seventh straight year, raises almost
$445K
https://today.troy.edu/news/troy-surpasses-giving-day-goal-for-seventh-straight-year/
Sports Science Lab in new Jones Hall to bear name of TROY icon John “Doc” Anderson
https://today.troy.edu/news/sports-science-lab-in-new-jones-hall-to-bear-name-of-troy-icon-john-doc-anderson/
Laura Aaron Mixon memorial scholarship aims to spread “love and light” to new choral
students
https://today.troy.edu/news/laura-aaron-mixon-memorial-scholarship-aims-to-spread-love-and-light-to-new-choral-students/
New scholarship will honor the memory of FarmHouse's Matthew Awbrey
https://today.troy.edu/news/aubrey-farmhouse-scholarship/
Alabama Nursing Foundation, Beard family gift to help equip TROY's School of Nursing
with advanced simulation equipment
https://today.troy.edu/news/anf-beard-family-gift/
Student-inspired Pike Community Scholarship to provide tuition for four years
https://today.troy.edu/news/student-inspired-pike-community-scholarship-to-provide-tuition-for-four-years/
Donors recognized at annual Scholarship Brunch
https://today.troy.edu/news/donors-recognized-at-annual-scholarship-brunch/
Sorrell young alumnus establishes endowed scholarship to ‘give back' the chance he
was given as an undergraduate
https://today.troy.edu/news/dick-gives-back/
Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship to aid TROY nursing majors from Pike
County
https://today.troy.edu/news/betty-floyd-vance-endowed-nursing-scholarship/
Joe and Mary Ann Cromeans Charitable Foundation Scholarship aids TROY students studying
sciences, nursing and the arts
https://today.troy.edu/news/joe-and-mary-ann-cromeans-charitable-foundation-scholarship-aids-troy-students/
A new scholarship will honor the memory of TROY alumna Tabatha Martineau by helping
eligible students with disabilities.
https://today.troy.edu/news/tree-of-life-scholarship/
Scholarship pays dividends for TROY education students, Troy City Schools
https://today.troy.edu/news/scholarship-pays-dividends-for-troy-education-students-troy-city-schools/