Meghan Gagliano of Hattiesburg was recently awarded the William Carey University Student Foundation Scholarship for 2015.
Gagliano, an English and intercultural studies major, was selected for the scholarship from a pool of more than 200 applicants. Lydia Ulrich, president of the Student Foundation, said Gagliano was awarded the scholarship based on participation in activities both on the Carey campus and within the community.
"We were impressed by her high level of involvement in extracurricular activities and by her true desire to help others," said Ulrich.
Gagliano is a junior class representative in the Student Government Association. She is also involved with the Baptist Student Union, where she assists with weekly events. Outside of Carey, Gagliano is a worker in the children's ministry at her church, Hattiesburg Community Church, and a volunteer at the Fieldhouse for the Homeless in Hattiesburg, where she leads a monthly devotional and lunch meeting.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Gagliano found Carey through recommendations from family members and friends. She said Carey's smaller campus appealed to her.
"I was homeschooled, so I wanted something that was smaller," she said. "I love Carey because of the investment that is placed in each student by their professors."
In addition to her extracurricular activities, Gagliano has been listed on the President's List for her academic achievements. Along with her coursework, she has enjoyed traveling on overseas trips with Dr. Daniel Browning, a professor of religion, through Carey's Study, Travel and Excavation Program.
"Dr. Browning is a great example of the type of professor at Carey," said Gagliano. "He is an encourager and always gives great advice."
After graduation from Carey, Gagliano hopes to teach English overseas. She said the financial assistance from the Student Foundation will assist her in completing her degree.
"Scholarships are extremely important to me because I pay for school on my own," said Gagliano. "I am so grateful to the Student Foundation for their generosity and willingness to help students like me."
The Student Foundation was founded in 2010 by several Carey students with the goal of helping fellow students fulfill their goals with additional scholarship assistance. The foundation holds several fundraisers per academic year, including an annual 5K and fun run, to help raise funds for scholarships.
For more information on the foundation or on ways to contribute, contact Stefan Sartori, coordinator of advancement services and foundation sponsor, at (601) 318-6068 or by email at ssartori@wmcarey.edu.