Apr 9, 2014 By John Lydic editorial Assistant 4 min read

In President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, Obama said he wanted places of higher education to offer better value so the cost of tuition does not deter a student’s ability to earn a higher education. 

Waynesburg’s Coordinator of the Bonner Program Adrienne Tharp believes it is a great way to provide financial assistance while allowing students to continue a passion.

“It’s a win for the students because it gives them additional funding to make sure financially that’s one concern they don’t have as far as paying to go to school,” said Stokan. “I think it’s a win for the community because of the outreach services [provided] to the less fortunate in our community and with the activities that they do I think it broadens their horizon.” 

“I think one of the things Bonner provides for students is a lot of opportunity for leadership, both in the community with the organizations they’re serving and then also within campus, through mission trips, within the Bonner program and outlets throughout campus,” said Tharp. 

According to Tharp, the Bonner program provides an opportunity to select an equal number of males and females to receive the scholarships, so those of all backgrounds are met. 

“Bonner provides a substantial amount of my tuition; you get paid to do something you love to do and it’s a great scholarship and I’m blessed to have it,” said Digiandomenico. “Programs like the Bonner program are special because they allow students to explore things they typically wouldn’t explore. It opens student’s eyes up to different possibilities and allows them to connect with and understand people better.”  

“Its nice to work for a university where students get it as far as their life should be,” said Stokan. “I’d like to think once [the Bonners] leave the university, those types of experiences make the world a better place because they are not just graduating, getting a job and making money, but they get they have to use the talents and gifts they’ve been given for the good of others.”