Student Scholarship Impact Stories

Student Scholarship Impact Stories

The School of Communication strives every day to ensure we attract and educate the best and brightest students, with an eye toward making the next generation of communicators and communication scholars the best it can be.

But we can’t do that alone.

Your tax-deductible gift to one of our generous endowments will help us fulfill that mission, and continue our legacy of outstanding students.

Claire's story | Ashlee's story | Ellie's story


Your gift makes a difference.

Claire Bowen-Kunkler

Claire - Strategic Communication
My name is Claire J. Bowen Kunkler, and I am a senior in The Ohio State University’s Honors Program, majoring in Strategic Communication with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support. Receiving this financial award has been an incredible blessing—it has eased the financial burden of college and allowed me to fully invest in my studies, research, and community engagement.

As a student from Appalachian Ohio, higher education has always represented both hope and responsibility to me. I was drawn to Ohio State because of its deep sense of community and commitment to public service. My studies have given me the tools to advocate for underrepresented voices and to use communication as a force for awareness and change.

After graduation, I plan to continue working in public engagement and education—bridging stories and communities through museums and cultural spaces. My long-term goal is to make knowledge more accessible and inclusive, especially for rural and Appalachian audiences whose voices are often overlooked.

Outside the classroom, I stay involved in service and advocacy as the Student Representative for the Campus Safety and Mental Health Advisory Board for the State of Ohio, the Co-President Buckeyes for Recovery, and a member of the Community of Appalachian Leaders. One of my favorite memories at Ohio State was presenting on statewide mental health advocacy at the Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health Conference—it was a powerful reminder of how far compassion and storytelling can reach.

Thank you again for your generosity and belief in students like me. Your support doesn’t just fund education—it fuels purpose, belonging, and the hope to give back.
 

Ashlee Sizemore

Ashlee - Strategic Communication
My name is Ashlee Sizemore, and I am a third-year strategic communication major at Ohio State. I am writing to express my gratitude for being a recipient of this Scholarship.

This generous support makes a world of difference in my ability to be present in my college experience. This scholarship allows me to focus on my academics, participate in extracurricular activities, and build meaningful personal and professional connections without the added financial stress.

As a first-generation college student, this opportunity represents more than financial assistance—it provides a pathway for upward mobility. My education will allow me to positively impact the lives of others, both personally and professionally. I am committed to paving the way for future generations in my family, being a supportive coworker and future supervisor, and giving back to other students just as others have generously given to me.

 

Ellie Olack

Eleanor - Strategic Communication
My name is Ellie, and I am a third-year strategic communications major with a minor in design thinking at The Ohio State University. I am so grateful for the financial support you have provided, as it has allowed me to pursue opportunities that I might not have had otherwise—such as studying abroad in Florence, Italy this upcoming spring.

Ohio State has always felt like the perfect fit for me. My brother attended here, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps while also finding a school with incredible spirit and community. OSU has given me the chance to thrive both academically and professionally—I work as a communications student assistant within the athletic program and also with the Columbus Crew, which has been a dream come true for someone passionate about sports communications.

Thank you again for your generosity and support. Your contribution truly makes a difference in my education and in shaping the experiences that will prepare me for the future.