If someone told high school me that I would be going to college on a full-tuition scholarship, I never would have believed them. The Rudd Foundation Scholarship program is life-changing, to be short. Through my time so far as a Rudd Scholar, I have gained strong friendships and mentor relationships, professional development skills, community service experience and more.

My name is Lauren O’Donnell, and I am from Overland Park, Kansas. I am a junior at Wichita State University studying Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in English Language and Literature. I currently work as the Events and Marketing Intern in the Office of Admissions and as an F45 fitness instructor on campus. I am also a third-year member of the Shocker Dance team and involved in a sorority and the WSU Panhellenic Council!

Just three years ago, I was sitting in math class on a regular Thursday… or so I thought. My principal came into the classroom and asked if he could interrupt for a few minutes. As he came in, my WSU Admissions Representative, the president of the Rudd Foundation and my Latin teacher (who wrote my letter of recommendation) followed. I immediately knew something was up-- why would all these people want to come to my math class? As they shared the good news and brought out a giant check with my name on it, I was speechless. I was officially a 2019 Rudd Scholar. From that moment on, I knew this was an accomplishment that would change my life for the better.

Luckily, a few weeks prior I decided I would be attending Wichita State come fall, and I could not wait. It was the only university I had visited where I instantly felt at home, and I knew endless opportunities were waiting for me. Becoming a Rudd Scholar just helped solidify this decision! Fast forward to now-- I’m finishing my third year at WSU; I have an incredibly supportive circle of friends and mentors and I truly have endless opportunities to grow. My Rudd family keeps me accountable, pushes me to my full potential and supports me every step of the way. With their help, I’ll be graduating in May 2023! I plan to go into a career in the field of communications and find ways to give back to my Rudd family as an alumna.

If you or a student you know is eligible to apply for our scholarship, I highly encourage you to do so. You don’t want to miss a chance at the opportunity of a lifetime!