Giving back, one scholarship at a time: Why BGSU alumni are investing in the next generation

Alumna Marina J. King ‘03, who serves on the BGSU Alumni Board of Directors, earned a business administration degree specializing in finance. She has over 22 years of public service working as a state government professional, as well as a licensed realtor and business owner in Columbus.

Scholarships played a pivotal role in helping King achieve her goal of earning a college degree. The support she received not only eased financial burdens but also reinforced the power of community investment in education. Those experiences left a lasting impression, and one that continues to inspire her commitment to helping the next generation of students succeed. 

Motivated by gratitude, King established the Marina J. King Scholarship to support members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Through this scholarship, she hopes to remove barriers for students who are working hard to pursue their academics while contributing to campus leadership and community impact.

King reflects on her BGSU experience as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life – one that opened doors, built lifelong connections, and prepared her to lead with purpose. Now, she is passionate about ensuring that same opportunity is available to future Falcons.

“It’s about creating opportunities for future students and continuing the cycle of support that once helped us,” King said. “No matter the size of the giving, the impact can be life-changing. When we collectively invest in BGSU, we’re investing in future leaders, stronger communities and dreams."

Alumna Gail Whitelaw, Ph.D. ’81, a first-generation college student whose journey to becoming an audiologist began at BGSU. Whitelaw is now the clinic director for the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at The Ohio State University. 

Whitelaw said she was inspired to create the Gail Whitelaw Scholarship for students majoring in communication sciences and disorders for several reasons, including her own experiences at BGSU, the remarkable students she meets and the continued success of the BGSU College of Health and Human Services.

“I hope the scholarship can help students enter a career where they have the foundation to change the world," Whitelaw said. "Our alma mater is doing amazing things, and we can have a role in this success. I am inspired by my education at BG, which was in the classroom, clinic and the opportunities outside the classroom. I was successful based on the foundation I was given at BGSU.”

Alumna Sara Houlihan ‘09, ‘23, a physical therapy clinical specialist at the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine. As the recipient of scholarships while at BGSU, Houlihan said the generosity of others allowed her to maximize her college experience and pursue graduate school.

Inspired by her time in the Honors College, Houlihan established the Houlihan Honors Scholarship to help reduce financial barriers for Honors College students. 

“I feel that it is so important to give back as others gave before me, which was so influential to my time at BG,” Houlihan said. “Any amount helps. I got both large and small scholarships throughout college, and both influenced me in different ways. In my recent interactions with current students, I have heard the same comments. It doesn't matter the amount; funds are always needed to help with so many student initiatives.”