We are grateful for our honors alumni and donors
University Scholars and Honors alumni contribute considerable time, talent, and treasure to support today’s student experience. The Sokolov Honors College appreciates all the ways alumni give back and invites you to consider additional ways to engage with your alma mater.
Do you have volunteer opportunities for students in your organization? Would you want to serve as a guest speaker at a fireside chat? Would you like to share your expertise and develop an honors seminar? Let us know by clicking the button below.
There are a variety of scholarships that have been established for honors students. The Sokolov Honors College appreciates the contributions alumni have made to these and other awards which benefit students. You may wish to consider making a donation in any amount or creating your own scholarship.
Cossentino Scholarship for Honors Students
Sokolov Honors College Dean, Dr. Amy Cossentino, has established a scholarship in memory of her parents as a way to help make college more affordable to YSU Honors students.
Shaklee Honors Scholarship for Study Abroad
Established in 2019, this scholarship is intended to foster a continuation of the global engagement Dr. Ron Shaklee sought to bring to students through his travel/study class to the Bahamas as a tenured faculty member and director of the YSU Scholars and Honors programs. Through Dr. Shaklee’s efforts, over 1000 YSU students were introduced to the physical environments and cultural settings of the Bahamas. Eligible applicants must be in good standing in the Honors College and be participating in a study abroad program through YSU. First preference given to a student not receiving an honors scholarship.
Lewis B. and Retta Miller YSU Honors Service Scholarship
Lewis B. and Retta Miller were the maternal grandparents of Dr. Ron Shaklee, who served as the YSU Honors Director from 2000-2015. The Millers raised eight children on their family farm outside of Enid, Oklahoma. He was a conscientious steward of the lands on the farms he owned and operated. All eight of the Millers’ children earned college degrees. They led their lives as active members of the Methodist Church and contributed to its outreach activities. In the 1950s, Mr. Miller purchased the land that became Canyon Church Camp and donated the land to the church. During the Great Depression, Mr. Miller often helped his neighbors who faced foreclosure on their lands and the loss of their livelihoods. This record of service and stewardship of the land is the basis for awarding a YSU Honors Service Scholarship in Mr. and Mrs. Miller’s name. Eligible applicants must be entering their sophomore year, in good standing in the Honors College and have completed 100 hours or more of community service.
Vere Stalker and Nina Pierce Shaklee YSU Honors Service Scholarship
Vere Stalker and Nine Pierce Shaklee were the paternal grandparents of Dr. Ron Shaklee, who served as the YSU Honors Director from 2000-2015. The Shaklees raised six children on their family farm outside of Watonga, Oklahoma. Mr. Shaklee served with the U.S. Military in World War I and was an active member of his community. Mr. Shaklee’s forebearers served in the American Revolution and in the American Civil War. Three of Mr. Shaklee’s sons served in the U.S. Military during World War II and Korea. This record of national service and stewardship of the land is the basis for awarding a YSU Honors Service Scholarship in Mr. and Mrs. Shaklee’s name. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior year, in good standing in the Honors College and have completed 100 hours or more of community service.
Sokolov Honors College Giving
Alums can donate to any of the above scholarships through the YSU Foundation. Click the button below and indicate which scholarship you wish to support.
You can also support student research, volunteerism and engagement initiatives by clicking the button below and designating contributions toward "University Scholars and Sokolov Honors College Restricted Gifts." Your donation will help to defer costs of student activities, conference travel and attendance, student research opportunities, and more. We greatly appreciate your consideration of making a gift to support student initiatives.