Left to right: RSU student Madyson Kropff, RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor, and RSU student Ali Zaydan.
Rogers State University’s Claremore Scholarships and More Breakfast gave local businesses, organizations, groups and individuals the chance to show their support for RSU students by making donations to benefit scholarships and the STEM@RSU project.
Held Thursday, March 27, on the Claremore campus, the fundraising breakfast raised a total of $27,500, and welcomed donors and RSU students for breakfast and the chance to hear the latest news from the Hill and the impact of their contributions.
Opening remarks were offered by RSU Vice President for Development Steve Valencia.
“Your support of this event, and the work done by the RSU Foundation, makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students,” Valencia said. “Each year, the work of the Foundation goes to make the RSU experience better for each of our 3,200 students – whether it be through scholarships, supporting programs or teaching excellence, building a campus that offers the best environment possible for teaching and learning.
“All of these initiatives are only possible because of your support and your belief in this university,” he continued. “Your support makes an impact each and every day.”
Following Valencia’s comments, RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor spoke.
RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor
“On behalf of the administration, the faculty, staff and most importantly, the students at Rogers State University, I want to welcome you all to the Hill this morning, and to thank you for your continued support,” Dr. Rasor said.
After Rasor gave brief updates about RSU’s growth in enrollment, new master’s degree options and other programs, and other university news, Foundation scholarship recipient and RSU student Ali Zaydan offered his words of gratitude to the university and the Foundation.
“I stand before you today, honored to be here, surrounded by the incredible individuals who make Rogers State University the welcoming, supportive community that it is,” Zaydan said. “These past few months have been some of the most challenging in my journey.”
“But what got me through was the unwavering support from the RSU Foundation, faculty, and staff – I never felt alone,” he said. “Through the Foundation, your support has been life changing, not only helping me during a difficult season, but your commitment has also touched the lives of so many others through scholarships and endowments. Because of your work, students from all walks of life can access their education and the future they dream of. Because of you, I stand here today stronger, more determined, and filled with hope. You’ve not only helped me not only pursue my education, but you gave me a sense of belonging, and that’s something I will never forget. Thank you for standing by me. Thank you for standing by all of us.”
Also speaking was student Madyson Kropff.
“I stand before you today, not only as a proud student of RSU but as the first generation in my family to graduate from college,” Kropff said. “This milestone is incredibly special to me and my family as it represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
“I love Rogers State and am so grateful to have such a great university so close to home,” she said. “I am also fortunate enough to work here as well, having had the privilege to work at the RSU Foundation. This experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I’ve loved every moment of it. The work done there is so impactful, touching the lives of so many students and their families, including my own.”
Kropff noted that scholarships have provided a “pivotal” role in her college career.
“Without the financial support provided by these scholarships, going to college and getting a degree would have been much more difficult,” she said. “They’ve not only alleviated the financial burden but motivated me to excel in my studies. When I graduate in May, I’ll be graduating debt-free, which is only possible because of the donors and I’m so incredibly grateful.”
Both Zaydan and Kropff are seniors, slated to graduate from RSU in 2025.
Valencia concluded the morning by thanking event sponsors and recognizing Foundation staff members.
“In a few weeks, about 500 RSU students will be graduating with degrees that have not only prepared them for the jobs of today, but the jobs of tomorrow,” he said. “For many of the 443 students who received Foundation scholarships last year, your generosity made the difference between continuing to work towards their degree and dropping out.”
RSU’s STEM@RSU campaign seeks to raise the final $4 million in private support needed to construct and equip the university’s new Center for Science and Technology.
Learn more about the STEM@RSU campaign.
For more information about the Rogers State University Foundation or to make a donation, contact Steve Valencia at [email protected] or visit www.rsu.edu/give.