Scholarships Change Lives

Hello! For those of you who do not know me, let me introduce myself. I am Will Schlossenberg, Senior Director of Development and Community Partnerships for the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). It is my job to develop relationships with community members, donors, and most importantly students. The best part of my job is making sure that as many students as possible receive some type of scholarship to help them bridge a particular gap in their financing of school. I work closely with the Office of Student Services (OSS) and together we select the students who will be awarded scholarships. A single application opens the door to more than 43 different scholarships that we offer. List of Scholarships

Aside from working with the OSS team to award scholarships, I also work with a myriad of donors who help fund these scholarships. These donors range from Foundations across the United States to individuals simply looking to help students in need. We are fortunate to receive support from many of the businesses that are in and around Montgomery County that know that their donations will come back to them in the form of well-educated, career-ready students who are equipped to contribute to the economic development of the region.

Will Schlossenberg high-five’s a student at the Scholarship and Donor Recognition Luncheon.

Another highlight of my job is when former students who had received scholarships during their time here are now in a position to pay it forward and decide to give back to help other students similar to them. Giving back to the Universities at Shady Grove, whether it is to a specific scholarship or to the general fund, is so important in helping future students earn their degree. If everyone gave back a portion of what they received as scholarships to the next generation of students, the world, the nation, the state, and the county, would be so much better for it.

More than 50% of the students at USG who apply for a scholarship receive one. Every fall we hold a Scholarship and Donor Recognition Luncheon where those students have the opportunity to meet their donors. It is one of our most memorable events. The students and the donors get to know one another and, in many cases, it is the start of a long term relationship.

At the luncheon we have a donor speak about their decision to support students at USG and then we have a few students speak about how their scholarship has made a difference in their lives. Over the years I have heard some truly wonderful and moving stories. The one thing I know for sure is that scholarships change lives.

Every student who receives a scholarship, no matter how large or small, is in some way impacted by receiving that scholarship. So whether you are a student in need of some financial assistance or a donor who would like to make a difference in someone’s world, scholarships are the answer. Please visit the Scholarships at USG webpage to learn more or come by and visit me. I am in the Camille Kendall Academic Center on the third floor, room 3143. My door is always open.