Pay It Forward: USU College of Science Hosts Virtual Fall Convocation

Remembering her parents and grandparents, Utah State University alumna and donor Mary Ann McDonald Ebbeler (BS’66, Medical Technology) recounts several stories of hardship and grit. Ebbeler’s grandmother, who lived in Willard, Utah, during the early 20th century, was determined to attend high school, but the nearest campus was in Brigham City.

That might not seem far – about eight miles or so – but the young scholar had only a bicycle for transportation and her father wouldn’t allow his daughter to make the daily journey. She persisted, repeating eighth grade at least twice, and was eventually allowed to attend with her younger sister.

“No matter what 2020 presents, you can still help someone else,” says Ebbeler, who was among featured speakers at the USU College of Science’s 2020 Fall Convocation held online Oct. 29. “We can still ‘pay it forward,’ and you’ll inspire others with your story.”

In the run-up to Science Week 2020, the College of Science turned to Zoom to host its annual fall gathering, which honors student recipients of the college’s endowed scholarships, along with their donors.

“Ordinarily, we’d be gathering for a delicious meal and music by student musicians, while recognizing our scholars and donors,” said Science Dean Maura Hagan, during the broadcast. “But a silver lining to all of this is we’re able to welcome some donors from other states, who wouldn’t have been able to travel here to Logan, as we gather virtually during this challenging time.”

Joining Ebbeler as featured speakers were Biology doctoral student Mallory Hagadorn and undergraduate biochemistry major Tyler Wallentine.

Hagadorn, a first-generation college student who grew up in rural Maryland, watched her mother, a single parent, work multiple jobs to support her family.

“She worked hard to keep food on the table,” Hagadorn says, “But she always emphasized the importance of education.”

The doctoral student praised the college’s donors, who “are making a tremendous impact by investing in students.”

Wallentine, who is also a biological engineering major, says support from scholarship donors has helped him pursue his passion for research and focus on a future career.

“Juggling classes, research and jobs is distracting,” says the Boise, Idaho native. “I still learned a lot from getting yelled at in a call center and flipping burgers, but having a scholarship is a tremendous blessing and I’m extremely grateful for the generosity of others.”

Students and donors recognized during the gathering including College of Science Scholarship recipients Nathan Barber, Rebecca Bernhardt, Rylee Dalton, Sally Devitry, Ashley Flake, Matthew Hogan, Christian Lange, Andrew McMullin, Jonah Merrill, Tiare Reidhead, Richard Ryan and Carlie Sandberg.

Thomas O’Reilly is the recipient of the Campbell Scientific Scholarship; Paul and Paulette Campbell, donor representatives.

Kaden Bunch, Brittany Grob and Jonah Merrell are recipients of the Charles & Rae Perkins Scholarship; Doug DeFries, Bank of Utah and Jodie Kay Nutt, Bank of Utah, donor representatives.

Rebecca Bernhardt and Tiare Reidhead are recipients of the Charles J. Sorenson Scholarship; Jean Sorenson Mack, Ann-Marie S. Reid and Jim Sorenson, Jr., donor representatives.

Ashley Flake and Trevor Harshman are recipients of the Dominion Science Scholarship; Debra Hoyt, donor representative.

Nicole Cevering is the recipient of the Dr. Dennis M. Miller Scholarship; Dr. Dennis M. Miller, donor representative.

Jonathan Mousley is the recipient of the Mary Ann McDonald Ebbeler Endowment Scholarship; Mary Ann Ebbeler, donor representative.

Reagan Suarez is the recipient of the Dr. Robert Errol Jones Scholarship; Robert Errol and Sandra Jones, donor representatives.

Kai Nethercott is the recipient of the Greaves Memorial Endowment Fund; Jeff Greaves, donor representative.

Benjamin Bradshaw, Danile Jameson, Alexander McRae, Miles Robertson, Parker Snow, Jenny Whiteley and Bryce Williams are the recipients of the Lillywhite Scholarship.

Olivia Brock and Colton Hill are recipients of the Oscar Wood Cooley Scholarship; Christopher and Susan Johnson, donor representatives.

Melissa Rasmussen is the recipient of the Ruth L. Novak Aggie Family Scholarship Endowment; Ruth Novak, donor representative.

Donors Ned and Gail Weinshenker were recognized for the Ned and Gail Weinshenker Scholarship. The 2020-2021 recipient was unable to accept the scholarship and two of the scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Samuel Haycock, Kaylee Kowallis and Tyler Wallentine are recipients of the Seely-Hinckley Undergraduate Scholarship; Jim Hinckley, donor representative.

Taylor Edwards is the recipient of the Theodore M. Burton Scholarship; Robert Burton of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Roland Radack, donor representatives.

Mallory Hagadorn is the recipient of the Claude E. ZoBell Scholarship; Barbara ZoBell and Dean ZoBell, donor representatives.

Kwanho Claudia Ki is the recipient of the Dr. Lawrence H. Piette Graduate Scholarship; Mary Piette, donor representative.

Shantel Spatig and Hannah Taylor are recipients of the Joseph Reuel Harris Graduate Scholarship.

Erica Hurst is the recipient of the Seely-Hinckley Graduate Scholarship; Jim Hinckley, donor representative.

College of Science Ambassadors were also recognized during the ceremony: Noah Braeger, Nathan Barber, Abby Butikofer, Jaren Campbell, Zachary Ellis, Brock Halling, Audrey Lidgard, Camila Summers and Abbie Weight, along with student Science Council members Braeger, Science senator; Barber, council president; Ben Bradshaw, Kaden Bunch, Kayla Fielder, Halling, Hailey Hatch, Alex Lyons and Madison Ohlensehlen.

The College of Science includes the academic departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics.