Alumni
Scholarship Recipients
Lauryn Tyndall
Lauryn Tyndall is an Austin native studying Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Pre-Rehabilitation Sciences. She hopes to join the medical field one day by becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Tyndall hopes to provide compassionate care and to truly connect with her patients.
“I am proud to one day become a Texas State Alumnus, and earning this scholarship fills me with Bobcat pride and helps to provide a stable foundation as I put myself through college."
Tyndall was nervous to go off to college, but she took comfort in attending a university not too far from home. Tyndall's father and brother both graduated from Texas State, and she takes great pride in being a Bobcat.
Olivia Rodriguez
Olivia Rodriguez is a student working towards a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration. She is passionate about making her impact on the United States healthcare system."The healthcare system is not where it needs to be, and I want to get into the position where I can make changes."
Rodriguez is grateful for the support of the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship and responded,
“It has been a tough year for me personally. I depend on scholarships to put myself through school.”
Olivia’s time at Texas State has taught her perseverance, “I was alone and isolated during my first year of college during the pandemic. I stuck it through and made connections.”
Nisha McDonald
Nisha McDonald is a student studying marketing at the McCoy College of Business. She is a rising professional with six completed internships and an internship with IBM this summer. She is the founder of the Texas State student organization Women's Development Group, involved with Cru, Younglife, and Women of Color Organization.
"I want to provide inclusive environments in the corporate world. I want to provide mobility for women of color. I want to be included in the room and lead," McDonald shared.
"I am extremely appreciative to the donors of this scholarship. Now I can focus on my educational endeavors and career readiness goals. Not everyone gets this privilege, and I am grateful."
Audrey Mills
Audrey Mills is a senior studying criminal justice who will graduate in December 2022. Texas State was an easy choice for Mills, as she sat in her first crime theory class as a young child when her mom was a student at Texas State. Mills decided to follow in her father’s footsteps, wanting to become a probation officer.
"The criminal justice system is not where it needs to be, and the only way to change it is from the inside.” When asked what receiving this scholarship means to her, Mills said,
“It was an honor to receive this scholarship. I work two jobs while studying as a full-time student, and this scholarship was rewarded at a time when I needed it most, to finish my degree.”
Parker Reed
Parker Reed completed her first year at Texas State University, working towards her BFA in Theatre, specializing in Performance and Production. After graduation, Reed dreams of moving to New York to teach children how to express themselves through theatre and to perform in theatre productions herself. Reed chose Texas State University because it has the second-largest theatre program in the country. Her time at Texas State has reminded her of the need for community.
"Reflecting on the seclusion of the pandemic, it has been important to come back into a shared community and it has brought everyone closer together."
Reed thanks those who continue to support the Alumni Association. "I am grateful for the supporters of the Alumni Association who are walking with me as I pursue my degree," Reed stated. "I honestly could not have gotten through college without their help."
Serenity De Leon
Serenity De Leon is a student studying political science with a minor in business. She was born and raised in Seguin and is passionate about implementing change in her local community by pursuing a career in local government. De Leon plans to work in local government or hold office as a city manager after graduation.
Her thesis is on affordable housing, and she hopes to use what she learns to help low socioeconomic communities.
“As a low-income student, this scholarship means the world to me. My goal is to graduate debt-free, and this scholarship helps greatly in accomplishing my goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to have my education funded.”
Sarah Cavender
Sarah Cavender is an incoming freshman majoring in theatre education. She has a passion for performing arts and comes from a family of performers. Cavender joined her first theatre group at 13 years old. She was homeschooled and was inspired by her mom (who was also her teacher) and realized how important of a role that was.
“I am solely responsible for paying for my education, and scholarships make it possible. Receiving this scholarship has increased my passion to pursue an education.”
Cavender hopes to cultivate minds, serve as a mentor, and be a safe space and supporter for her future students.
