Shaneka Davis ’09, a Journalism major, is a recipient of the Leaders in the Making Scholarship. She is helping students of color in the nearby community to build the skills needed to succeed in college through the Student Bridges program. “I work with middle-school and community college students in the city of Holyoke through workshops and tutoring sessions. The program connects residents to UMass Amherst, in the hope that they will one day attend the university,” Davis explains.  “When I was in high school, programs like Student Bridges gave me the incentive and tools I needed to go to college.”

“The Alumni Association scholarship award has allowed me to focus on my studies... not worry about how I am going to fund my education this semester,” says Shaneka. “I plan to join the Alumni Association when I graduate, in order to ensure that other students of color also have the opportunity to prosper at UMass Amherst.”
—Shaneka Davis ’09

Devon Brooks ’08, a Building Materials and Wood Technology major, is the recipient of the William F. Field Alumni Scholars Award. “I describe my major as a cross between business and engineering,” says Brooks. “It provides a well-rounded base of knowledge, and is structured to provide the tools necessary to be adaptable to many fields of work, including design of engineered wood products, sales, contracting, project management, consulting, etc. In our department, there is mutual respect, and a family-type bond between the students and faculty that makes learning and working together very enjoyable.”

“The William F. Field Alumni Scholars Award has helped to ease a financial burden for me, and, as a result, allowed me to better concentrate on my studies. UMass has provided a solid building block for my future success: as a future UMass Amherst Alumni Association member, I’ll be able to stay abreast of changes around campus.”
—Devon Brooks ’08

Liz Oler ’08 is the recipient of the Robert B. Collins ’19 Student Alumni Association Scholarship and is majoring in the Science of Behavior, Ethics and Social Justice. She is an Apartment Living Advisor in North Hall, an Educator/Advocate at the Everywoman’s Center, a teaching assistant for the Citizen Scholars Program, and a member of the Student Alumni Association. “Overall, UMass Amherst has been a great experience because of the endless opportunities that exist if you seek them out. Being involved in a variety of activities has given me wide exposure to a diverse group of people,” says Oler. “I chose to be involved in activities to accomplish three things: grow personally, academically, and to give back to UMass Amherst and the community.” She adds, “This scholarship has allowed me to continue working in volunteer positions and those activities that mean the most to me.”

“I feel a great deal of connection and gratitude to UMass Amherst... as an alumna, I hope to support the things that have been valuable in my college experience, in order to enhance the lives of future students. I definitely plan on joining the Alumni Association! One of the most exciting benefits is the network opportunities it provides...  with so many UMass graduates doing so many different things, connecting to those people will increase my own chances of success!” —Liz Oler ’08