Coleman D. Ross
Andrew W. Ross Endowed Photography Scholarship
Radford University Arts Society published the following addressing its donors from one of the scholarship recipients in Fall 2019.
LUCAS WHITE’S JOURNEY IS A LENS TO THE FUTURE
I found my passion for documentary photography through two special classes I took in high school: art and photojournalism. Since then, it has been my goal to travel the world, taking photos that communicate what is happening around us.
Where I grew up, art was not revered the same as other disciplines. That’s what sparked my interest in Radford University. I saw that Highlanders valued art the same way I do. That care and dedication from students, alumni, faculty, and staff inspired me to apply.
Despite my aspirations to find a home in a university that shares my passion for the arts, I didn’t know how I would pay for college. Attending college was not a “when” for me, it was an “if.” I knew I would need scholarship support in order to further my education.
Luckily, donors like you so generously gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream.
Since arriving at Radford University, I have become involved on campus in a number of ways. One of my favorite activities is being a CVPA [College of Visual and Performing Arts] student ambassador. As a first-generation college student, I know how scary freshman year can be. This role has allowed me to help my peers feel more at home on campus, inspire them to dive deep into their academic experiences, and show them my immense love for our college.
I know that donor support, now and in the future, will give even more students the opportunity to excel in CVPA like I have.
Private support has been crucial to my success at Radford University. Not only has it fully relieved the stress of paying tuition, it has also provided me with the equipment necessary to make the most of my education. In fact, I recently received a film camera that was donated by someone like you.
Because of a seemingly simple gift, like that film camera, I am able to benefit from real-world experiences that enhance what I am learning in the classroom. This experience will bring me even closer to my future career. Through my pursuit of documentary photography after graduation, I hope to bridge the gap between art and science, two of my greatest passions.
I think to myself every day about how lucky I am to attend Radford University and chase my dreams. Whether I am walking across campus, sitting in a lecture hall, or spending time with fellow Highlanders, I think of the donors who invest in my future and push me towards success.
Because of people like you, I am now on track to reach my goals.
(back to the Andrew W. Ross Endowed Photography Scholarship page)