Scholarship donors support student outside classroom

These days, Dr. Peggie Hollingsworth ’71 is almost family to senior Antonio Smith, the young man she imparts advice to, nags playfully and brags about often.

Dr. Hollingsworth and her husband, Dr. Charles “Tad” Smith, have developed an especially close relationship with the student they sponsor through the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy. Antonio receives a full scholarship and close mentoring as one of about 25 students who are chosen annually for the four-year program based on leadership potential and academic record.

PLA Program Director Dr. Julie Snyder said she introduced Antonio to the couple because his goals and academic interests mirrored their achievements. Antonio, a chemistry and pre-medicine major, dreams of becoming a physician. Smith applies his education as a medical doctor and researcher by instructing future health professionals at the University of Michigan. Hollingsworth is an accomplished toxicologist and emerita member of the research faculty at the University of Michigan, who earned her master’s degree in molecular biology from BGSU.

“They are a phenomenal support for Antonio,” Snyder said, adding that Hollingsworth and Smith “are committed to PLA as a whole.”

During their first meeting, Antonio was slightly intimidated by Hollingsworth’s frank assessment of his appearance. He now applauds her blunt honesty and plain advice.

“I forgot to take my earrings out for some reason. She shook my hand and said, ‘I see you’ve got some bling-bling there,’” he recalled with a chuckle. “I took them out, and I haven’t worn them since.”

The relationship continued with regular letters from Antonio thanking his sponsors and updating them on his academic progress. Soon, there were frequent phone calls. Hollingsworth and Smith welcomed questions from Antonio as he scheduled classes and considered summer research programs.

“They give me a sense of reality as far as what struggles and pitfalls can occur as a physician or even working toward that,” Antonio said of the couple. “They give me a greater sense of motivation for the right reasons.”

When they sat next to him at an event to end his first year in the President’s Leadership Academy, Antonio’s friends mistook them for family.

Now, both swell with pride as Antonio describes the research he engaged in during a highly selective summer program at the University of Michigan and later presented at a conference at The Ohio State University, or his project at BGSU treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. He partners with another BGSU undergraduate to analyze strains found in patients with compromised immune systems who are being treated at one of several local hospitals. The project monitors the spread of pseudo-resistant bacteria in northwest Ohio, and has the couple urging Antonio to consider academic medicine. Antonio has applied to medical schools, though he continues to consider their advice.

Both Hollingsworth and Smith earned their degrees on scholarships or assistantships, and always felt a special drive to express gratitude as professionals for their own educational opportunities. They do so by volunteering as mentors and contributing to scholarships.

“I loved BGSU,” she said. “The faculty always made me feel like the only reason for BGSU was me.” Supporting a student through the President’s Leadership Academy seemed to be a perfect fit. Antonio was the first, and the couple have since taken on a second scholarship for a student.

The couple and Antonio agree their relationship will continue long after he graduates in May. Hollingsworth jokes that she’ll expect Antonio to care for her in old age, and the couple enjoy visiting with Antonio’s parents at PLA events. Just as important as the practical academic advice they have shared with Antonio, the couple emphasized, is the value of mentorship and philanthropy.

“I’ve learned to be ‘a gift that keeps on giving,’” Antonio said. “And once I get into my career, I want to be able to reach out and mentor other students.”

Hollingsworth nodded with satisfaction at his promise. “That’s our expectation,” she said. “That those

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