| Chris Hansen ’05 Had a scholarship, now he gives a scholarship Chris Hansen is paying it forward. The 2005 Weber State University graduate is a manufacturing engineer at Boeing; a career that has given him joy, success and the means to support his family. “I could not have been successful at this job without the degree and training I received at WSU.” Chris remembers how hard it was to pay for a college education. He couldn’t have completed his studies without financial help. So Chris and his wife, Carolyn, are making sure others have an opportunity to pursue education by funding a scholarship at WSU. Chris and Carolyn give so they can make a difference. Boeing has recognized their contribution and is matching their donation as part of the company’s Corporate Citizenship Initiative, which | |  |
| allows
the couple to double their donation. “Carolyn and I have been very fortunate. I believe that it is my responsibility, when I have been so richly blessed, to share that blessing with others. It’s great knowing we’re making a difference.” | ||
Stephanie Craghead ’93 That’s what Stephanie Craghead thought when she decided to come to Weber State University to get her bachelor’s degree in 1994. A single mother of two young boys, she was barely making ends meet. She knew getting her degree would be difficult financially and emotionally, but she also knew it would open the door to more opportunities. For her, it was the light at the end of the tunnel. “I wanted to give my sons a better life, but I also wanted to be a good role model. I wanted them to see that hard work and an education can get you somewhere.” At age 24, Stephanie was struggling, but she didn’t give up. She made it through on grants and student loans. Today Stephanie is | |  |
| a successful human resource professional who
contributes to WSU’s Annual Fund. “I give to Weber State because I want to help others who might be going through a similar situation. I don’t want them to give up. They’ll regret it. Nothing is more valuable than a college education.” | ||
| Vickie Larsen Has a scholarship, wants to return the financial favor “I never thought this would happen to me.” Twenty-two years after almost graduating from Weber State College, Vickie Larsen is back at school. Although she is excited to be in the classroom again, she never expected she would have to get her degree. In the early 1980s, Vickie was one quarter shy of earning her associate’s when life took her in a different direction. She got married, and she and her husband Terry began moving around the country. The Larsens enjoyed a comfortable life: Vickie being a wife and mother, and Terry being a provider and protector. Then Terry fell ill. Suddenly, Vickie had to be the breadwinner for a family of nine. “I knew I needed to finish my bachelor’s degree so I could find steady employment and better provide for my family.” Today, Vickie is majoring in dental hygiene. A full-time student, | |  |
| she is financing her education
through scholarships, grants and loans. “We simply no longer have the means to pay for things outright. I look forward to the day when I can return these financial favors, as well as encourage others along the way.” | ||