Student Testimonials

OFIC donors are making a life-changing difference in student’s lives through their scholarship gifts.

On this page you’ll find quotes from letters written by students who have received a scholarship through OFIC’s generous donors. Attending college can be a stressful expense for young adults to have on their shoulders. Through change-making contributions from donors, students are able to focus more on their education and less on worrying how they will be able to afford it. These inspirational gifts do not go unnoticed. Without your support, a college degree would not be possible for many of these students. Scroll to read the words of gratitude from students apart of OFIC’s 33 member campuses, thanking their donors for investing in their future.

Meet Kaylee, former OFIC Student Scholar

Kaylee is a 2022 graduate of the University of Mount Union. She studied Risk Management Insurance during her four years and was an intern for National State Insurance who also was her donor through The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. Kaylee was offered a job at National State Insurance and is also helping her pay for her graduate school. For more information about Kaylee and her time at the University of Mount Union, click her student testimonial video.

Hear From Current and Former OFIC Student Scholars

““This scholarship allows me to really pinpoint my focus on school and my future destinations. I would not be able to fulfill my future dreams without you. In the future, I hope there is a way to repay the kindness to others as you have done for me.””

— Notre Dame College Student

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Madison, Newcomerstown, OH

“I am a hard-working student who is extremely dedicated to learning and understanding. Thank you again so much for the aid you have provided and blessed me with.”

Megan is a student at Ashland University and is studying biology. She has been awarded the Doris and Floyd Kimble Foundation.

Jaylesiyah, Columbus, OH

“This scholarship I am receiving is important to both me and family. Thank you for enhancing my college experience, I appreciate your generosity.”

Jaylesiyah is a student at The University of Findlay, studying criminal justice and she has received the WesBanco, Inc. scholarship.

Joshua, Rittman, OH

“This scholarship has helped me make my payments a lot easier and is greatly appreciated.”

Joshua is a student at Heidelberg University as an education major and has been awarded the J.M. Smucker Company scholarship.

Megan, North Canton, OH

"This scholarship award motivates me to continue to pour my hard work and effort into my studies and maintain a high level of performance to accomplish my goals."

Megan is a student at Walsh University, studying accounting and has been awarded the Ted and Linda Swaldo Scholarship.

Renai, Granville, OH

“I see this as a chance to engage more with other scholars and artists, as well as new friends, teachers, and mentors . Your support also decreased my financial stress as a student.”

Renai is a student at Denison University, studying Fine Arts. She has been awarded the Jim and Francie Henry Family Foundation Scholarship through OFIC.

Megan, Mount Vernon, OH

"This scholarship will help remove some financial barriers, making my educational and career goals more easily achievable and allowing me to participate in more activities that will enhance my experiences.”

Megan is a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, studying Biology and has been awarded the American Electric Power Company Scholarship through OFIC.

Jalynn, Columbus, OH

“Thank you for believing in us as students to succeed and establish a unique print of innovation and creativity in the world.”

Jalynn is a chemistry major at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She has been awarded the Council of Independent Colleges Scholarship through OFIC.

Kaitlyn, Columbus, OH

“The remainder of my educational pursuits would not be possible without your generous support. Thank you for providing me with even more opportunities.”

Kaitlyn is a student at Ohio Dominican University, studying chemistry and criminal justice. She has been awarded The UPS Foundation Scholarship through OFIC.

Alejandra, Louisville, OH

“These scholarships even out the playing field, they allow students like me to live their purpose and to live their dreams.”

Alejandra studies French at The University of Mount Union. She was awarded the Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. Scholarship through OFIC

Ravonne, Cleveland, OH

“Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge students who may have been experiencing financial hardships.”

Ravonne, who previously served in the U.S. Army is completing her Master’s degree at Ursuline College in the social work program. She has been awarded the Jim and Francie Henry Family Foundation Scholarship through OFIC.

Alyssa, Akron, OH

“Just seeing how I was blessed with a scholarship has turned things around for me. It helped me realize all my hard work last year paid off.”

Alyssa decided to pursue her college education at Heidelberg University. She was awarded the Sisler McFawn Foundation Scholarship through OFIC.

Shawn, Cleveland, OH

“I look forward to where I will be a year from today and know that whatever happens, I will be happy with where my career takes me. Without your contribution and others like yours, none of this would have been possible.”

Shawn is an alumni of Notre Dame College as an accounting and management major. As a scholar, he received the Lincoln Electric Foundation Scholarship through OFIC.

Dominic, Parma, OH

“I will continue to strive, exceed, and achieve all the goals I have set out for myself here at John Carroll, and will do so, motivated by your kindness.”

Dominic attends John Carroll University as a criminology major. He has received the David and Inez Myers Foundation Scholarship through OFIC.

Madison, Ashland, OH

“Through hard work and dedication along with generous donors like yourself, I have been able to pay for my full tuition with scholarships.”

Madison commutes to Ashland University and majors in biology. She has received the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund Scholarship through OFIC.

Jordan, Euclid, OH

“What you have done and will continue to do for others so long as you all are able, is making such an impact on providing education to those who might have questioned being able to do so financially.”

Jordan is pursuing a nursing degree at The Breen School of Nursing at Ursuline College. She has been awarded the Jane D. White Fund Committee Scholarship through OFIC.

OFIC staff members read excerpts from student thank you letters

““This scholarship has taken away the burden of financial uncertainty for the upcoming academic year and will allow me to focus more time and energy to continue earning high marks in classes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me finish what I started more than 10 years ago.””

— Ohio Dominican University Student