As we approach the season of giving, Ohio State Marion sophomore electrical engineering major Ethan Kessler is thankful he chose to attend an Ohio State regional campus for a multitude of reasons. Primary among those is the ability to adjust to college by attending a smaller regional campus and the ability to focus on his education without the worry of debt thanks to being awarded the Wm. Kay Davis Excellence Scholarship.
The Wm. Kay Davis Excellence Scholarship awards up to $5,000 to 3 incoming honors students annually. Students are eligible for renewal for future years for students who remain at Ohio State Marion and meet academic requirements including GPA and engagement in the honors programming.
In addition to the Davis Excellence Scholarship, the campus awards $1.1 million in scholarships to students annually. Coupling this with lower regional campus tuition rates, shine a light on the importance of Ohio State Marion in the universities overall commitment to access and affordability.
According to Kessler, who is a first-generation college student, the choice to attend Ohio State Marion allowed him the opportunity to adjust to the college life on a smaller regional scale compared to going headfirst into Columbus campus from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, a town in north central Ohio with a population 10 times smaller than that of the Columbus campus.
“When making my decision I concluded that Marion would be a better option for my first two years before transitioning to Columbus campus,” said Kessler.
What made the decision even easier for Kessler was the fact that he could still be part of the state’s flagship university, which is something he had set his sights on for many years.
“I have always dreamed of coming to Ohio State ever since I was a little kid. Stepping into that reality last year was a remarkable milestone in my life,” said Kessler.
Although Kessler knows there is a lot of hard work that must be put into college, in his estimation the benefits in the end make the whole ride worthwhile.
“As I was often told growing up, anything worth having does not come easy and that is why I try to work diligently day after day as I pursue my degree,” Kessler said. “There are plenty of opportunities awaiting people in today’s world, but everything depends on how willing someone is to put in the work to achieve them.”
Earning the Wm. Kay Davis Excellence Scholarship is an accolade recognizing Kessler’s hard work and dedication. For that, he is very grateful.
In a letter to the donors, Kessler said, “I am very grateful for this scholarship as it will be put to good use in the effort of helping pay for my college tuition.”
“This scholarship has taken a major amount of pressure off my shoulders as I carry out this semester, allowing for me to focus more on my studies compared to working every chance that I get,” he added.
“These types of opportunities truly make me look back at everything that has taken place to get to where I am today,” said Kessler. “I am very grateful for all the opportunities that my heavenly father has given me, along with the people of whom helped me get to where I am today.”
Kessler concluded that this blessing has made life much more manageable as he strives forward with his college career at Ohio State.”
“I am very thankful for your generosity,” he concluded.
Those interested in the Wm. Kay Davis Excellence Scholarship should apply to the Ohio State Marion honors program by February 15, 2025. To learn more about the honors and scholars program at Ohio State Marion visit, https://osumarion.osu.edu/academics/honors-undergrad-research/honors-admission or email maharry.1@osu.edu.