Joannah Harris moved from Redding, Calif. to attend College of the Redwoods and transferred to HSU in 2007. She is pursuing a degree in computer science and has completed numerous classes, including introduction to robotics. “I want everyone to know that even with a disability, you can still succeed,” Harris said.
Junior Jennifer Thomas from Orange, Calif., also started classes at HSU last year and is majoring in business, with an emphasis in accounting. She chose Humboldt State for its rural setting and small class sizes and hopes to settle in Arcata or Eureka and work for a professional accounting firm when she graduates in Spring 2010.
Thomas is seen on campus with her service dog, named Coleman. “He has allowed me to improve my mobility, given me more confidence and provided me more independence than ever before,” Thomas said. She intends to work with Guide Dogs for the Blind and help other vision-impaired individuals secure their independence.
An avid reader of Agatha Christie novels despite her impairment, Thomas hooks rugs and enjoys miniature golf.
Mark Elliott, a transfer from Fresno in 2004, earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and is at work on his master’s with an emphasis in counseling. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. Previously he received a Presidential Scholar Award for academic excellence and loves playing Frisbee-golf with friends. “I’m slowly getting better as I memorize the course,” he says.
Art major Kristine Broughton has a passion for designing medieval and Renaissance costumes and won a contest last year for creating an Irish merchant woman’s outfit for a medieval fantasy festival. She is considering a career as an art professor or art restorer at a museum. A junior from Vacaville, Calif. Broughton is a Humboldt State Ambassador and provides outreach to prospective students interested in attending HSU.
The Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship was established in 1991 for San Francisco State and San Jose State University students. When Schoettler, a blind businessman, died in 2001 he left the CSU $4.8 million from his estate to assist blind and visually impaired students across the 23 campuses.
Education Resource Specialist Linda Parker with HSU’s Student Disability Resource Center has been assisting candidates with the application process since 2003. “Each year, one to three of our hardworking students are awarded this scholarship, but this year, we’re thrilled that four of our students are being honored with a $6,500 scholarship each,” Parker said. The Center can provide the application in Braille, enlarged print or electronic format. Students are required to submit an essay, maintain a 2.8 or above GPA full time, have financial need and be visually impaired.
Details about the scholarship are available from the Center at (707) 826-4678.