Smith-Hutson Scholars Program transforms futures at LU
Since its inception at 91自拍论坛 in 2012, the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program has made higher education accessible to students who may have otherwise faced significant financial barriers. Funded by an anonymous donor, this prestigious scholarship provides substantial financial support, covering 90 to 95% of a student's tuition and fees, along with a book stipend each semester. The program is dedicated to guiding scholars through their college journey, equipping them with the skills and support needed to become future leaders in their fields.
As one of only five institutions participating in the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program, 91自拍论坛 is proud to nurture a growing community of students and alumni who have benefited from this life-changing opportunity. In the following Q&A, current scholarship recipients share how the Smith-Hutson Scholarship has shaped their academic journeys and career aspirations.
Name: Tanayia Nelson
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Baytown, Texas
High School: Robert E. Lee Senior High School
Q: How has receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship impacted your ability to focus on your studies?
A: Receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship has lifted a financial burden from both me and my family, allowing me to focus on school without the stress of affording college.
Q: How do you think your college experience would have been different without this scholarship?
A: Without this scholarship, I don’t think I would have started college right after high school. I likely would have had to work and save money before enrolling.
Q: What’s one thing about the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program that you think more people should know?
A: This scholarship is truly a blessing. Many students who grow up struggling might think college is out of reach, but the Smith-Hutson Scholarship changes lives and makes higher education possible.
Name: David Hernandez
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Port Arthur, Texas
High School: Hamshire-Fannett High School
Q: How has receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship impacted your ability to focus on your studies?
A: This scholarship has allowed me to live on campus, which has been one of the biggest factors in my success. The convenience of being close to campus resources, combined with a book stipend, has eliminated financial worries and helped me excel academically.
Q: How do you think your college experience would have been different without this scholarship?
A: Without this support, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to stay in the dorms. Living on campus saves valuable time and provides a quiet space to focus on my studies. Without it, my college experience would have been much more challenging.
Q: How has this scholarship shaped your academic or career goals?
A: The scholarship program has helped shape me professionally and given me confidence in my chemistry major. With the guidance I’ve received, I now know I can potentially graduate in three years instead of four.
Name: Myana Libbett
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: C.E. King High School
Q: How has receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship impacted your ability to focus on your studies?
A: The scholarship allows me to focus on my coursework from day one by covering my materials. I can purchase my books without financial worry, which makes a huge difference.
Q: How do you think your college experience would have been different without this scholarship?
A: In high school, we were encouraged to attend community college, and I never planned on applying elsewhere. Receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship allowed me to take a chance on 91自拍论坛 and opened up a whole new world for me.
Q: If you could say one thing to the anonymous donor who funds this program, what would it be?
A: I know you wish to remain anonymous, but sometimes I wish you didn’t so I could personally thank you. My family and I will always be grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me.
Name: Jazmin Lua
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Port Arthur, Texas
High School: Bob Hope High School
Q: How did you first hear about the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program?
A: A family member encouraged me to apply, and I knew I had to do my best to earn this scholarship. Coming from a low-income family, receiving this support lifted a tremendous burden off my shoulders.
Q: How has this scholarship shaped your academic or career goals?
A: The Smith-Hutson Scholarship has given me the ability to set and achieve higher academic and career goals. I made the Dean’s List in my first semester, and I aspire to work at Neches Federal Credit Union, a financial institution that partners with 91自拍论坛.
Q: What advice would you give to future applicants?
A: Be yourself. The scholarship committee looks for students with not only financial need but also strong character. Stand out in your application and showcase your skills. Most of all, good luck on your journey.
Name: Brian Jackson Jr.
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Beaumont, Texas
High School: Beaumont United High School
Q: How do you think your college experience would have been different without this scholarship?
A: Without this scholarship, I may not have been able to attend college at all. The financial support has given me the time and resources to engage fully in my university experience.
Q: Can you share a moment when you truly felt the impact of this scholarship?
A: When I had to pay out of pocket for summer classes, I realized just how invaluable this scholarship is. The financial relief it provides allows students like me to focus on academics rather than stressing over expenses.
Q: How has this scholarship shaped your academic or career goals?
A: This scholarship has pushed me to strive for academic excellence. Many recipients maintain GPAs above 3.0, which has inspired me to aim for the Dean’s List and continuously improve my performance.
Jocelyn Dinh
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Groves, Texas
High School: Port Neches-Groves High School
Q: How has receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship impacted your ability to focus on your studies?
A: Receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship has allowed me to fully focus on my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer, giving me more time to study. Not only do I have access to resources like free tutoring, but I also have a support network of other Smith-Hutson Scholars in my major whom I can ask for help.
Q: Can you share a specific moment when you truly felt the impact of this scholarship?
A: Even though my academics were on the right path, it gave me hope to see that there was an opportunity for students who, like me, were trying their best to alleviate the cost of college. I truly felt the impact when I moved into the dorms. For the first time, I had my own room, bed, and desk, along with opportunities that didn’t come at a cost to my family.
Q: If you could say one thing to the anonymous donor who funds this program, what would it be?
A: Thank you for everything the Smith-Hutson program has to offer. It allowed me to live comfortably on campus and become fully immersed in my studies. I have made close friends in the program that I will be forever grateful for. Overall, thank you for helping me on my journey to becoming the first college graduate in my family. I really want to make them proud, and thanks to you, I know I can.
Marcus Harbert
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Wylie, Texas
High School: Wylie East High School
Q: How has receiving the Smith-Hutson Scholarship impacted your ability to focus on your studies?
A: Knowing that I have a group of people supporting me, I always want to ensure they feel like they made the right decision in choosing me.
Q: Can you share a specific moment when you truly felt the impact of this scholarship?
A: The moment I received the call informing me that I had earned the scholarship is something I will never forget. It happened during a lift after school. I saw the name pop up, and my heart sank until I answered.
Q: If you could say one thing to the anonymous donor who funds this program, what would it be?
A: You changed my life forever, and I am forever grateful for you.
Ryan Woodland
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: Beaumont, Texas
High School: Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School
Q: How do you think your college experience would have been different without this scholarship?
A: Without the Smith-Hutson Scholarship, my college experience would have been vastly different—I might not have even attended college at all. In just the first two years, the program has opened countless doors for me, providing opportunities I never imagined possible.
Q: Can you share a specific moment when you truly felt the impact of this scholarship?
A: A specific moment that highlighted the impact of the scholarship occurred during finals week this past Christmas. I had made new friends, and for the first time, I dedicated myself entirely to studying. I passed all my exams, and that moment solidified how much the scholarship has transformed my approach to education and life.
Q: What’s one thing about the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program that you think more people should know?
A: To any new or future applicants, I would advise you to stay true to yourself and never waver from your beliefs. Good things can happen when you remain authentic. I wasn’t planning to attend college, but now I’m living in a dorm, surrounded by new friends and endless opportunities. One thing you won’t see on a Smith-Hutson application is the importance of the people around you. While some may come and go, the connections you make through the program are invaluable. The people you meet in Smith-Hutson are truly the kind of individuals you want in your corner.