MUW Alumni Association honors four outstanding students with scholarships
The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association is proud to announce the recipients of its annual scholarships, awarded to four outstanding students who have demonstrated academic achievement and demonstrated strong commitment to pursuing their educational and career goals. This year’s awards recipients are:
- Ahkyera Green – Culinary Arts Advisory Board Scholarship
- Megan Gamble – Southern Grace Scholarship
- Merry Maclellan – Legacy Scholarship
- Allie Robertson – First Generation College Student Scholarship
Each scholarship acknowledges not only the students’ academic achievements but also their individual aspirations and contributions to the MUW community.
Ahkyera Green – Culinary Arts Advisory Board Scholarship
Green, from Glen Allan, always knew she wanted to attend The W since her older sister attended and graduated in 2018. The other thing she was confident about was her passion for baking, specifically pastries. With the only four-year culinary arts program in the state, she knew that The W was the perfect place to pursue her dream of receiving a Culinary Arts degree with a minor in Pastry Arts. Describing herself as someone committed to pursuing her education with determination and focus, Green’s dream is to open her own bakery and share her love of pastries with others. When asked how the scholarship would help her pursue her career, Green shared that, “This scholarship makes it easier to pay for the things I need for the program and takes off some of the burden of paying for college.”
She looks forward to continuing to explore all the culinary program has to offer through its diversity of programs and access to state-of-the-art culinary equipment.
Megan Gamble – Southern Grace Scholarship
The Southern Grace Scholarship supports culinary arts students who demonstrate academic commitment and a drive to success. From Quitman, Megan has always wanted to be a chef because she believes that, “Food brings people together, food heals.” One of her most memorable moments as a student in the culinary arts program was her internship at a local catering business based in Columbus.
“I still work there to this day and although it is hard work, it opened my eyes to how we prepare food for hundreds, nearly thousands of people; some of those people may not have had such a wonderful, made-from-scratch meal in a very long time,” Gamble said. “With charity work, I would be able to help those who truly have not had a meal in general in a long time.”
Megan credits multiple culinary arts instructors for influencing her and teaching her the multiple facets of the industry. The smaller class sizes at The W have also contributed to her success, allowing her to form lifelong friendships and personal relationships with her classmates, establishing a strong network that will be invaluable to her career.
Merry MacLellan – Legacy Scholarship
Merry MacLellan, from Pascagoula, always knew The W was a special place because her mother and two sisters all hold degrees from the University. The Legacy Scholarship recognizes students with a strong academic record and connection to The W community, supporting students who are dependents of alumni. And while MacLellan’s W legacy is strong, her reason for attending The W is to make her own mark. As an 1884 Scholar, she is the first in her family to participate in The W’s Women’s College, creating her own unique experience. She is also the first in her family to pursue a degree in Communications. When asked what the Legacy Scholarship means to her, MacLellan stated, “Having this scholarship shows how MUW values their alumni and their legacies. My family has given a lot to this university, and we have a lot to be grateful for because of this university. So, by receiving this scholarship, it continues to allow me to pursue my education and continue in this legacy of well-educated women and men who have attended MUW.”
Allie Robertson – First-Generation Scholarship
The First-Generation Scholarship is awarded to students who are the first in their families to attend college. This award reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students as they embark on transformative educational journeys and build new legacies for their families. Allie Robertson, from Corinth, is the first in her family to attend college. Already having earned her associate degree in accounting, she is proud to be continuing her education at The W, with a goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Robertson has remained focused, driven and determined to accomplish her goals, and chose The W because she knows it will give her the education and foundation she needs to succeed. When asked what impact receiving this scholarship will have on her, Robertson stated, “This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a steppingstone toward a brighter future. It represents hope, opportunity and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can still achieve greatness.”
About the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association
The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association exists to support and promote the mission of Mississippi University for Women while providing alumni engagement opportunities as the university’s officially affiliated alumni organization.