As would only seem fitting, a bit of history was made at the Bartlesville History Museum on April 23.
Amidst a gathering of approximately 50 people – including several business leaders from throughout the community – officials from both the Lowe Family Young Scholars Program and Rogers State University-Bartlesville announced a partnership. RSU-Bartlesville will now become the third partner school in the Lowe program, a mentoring-based program which helps students realize their dream of one day attending a college or university.
“I think the Lowe Family Young Scholars Program is tremendous,” says Dr. Danette Boyle, the RSU vice president for development who helped to facilitate the partnership. “There are so many young people in Oklahoma who can use financial assistance toward higher education as well as the benefits of mentoring.
“They need people who genuinely care about their future.”
The Lowe Family Young Scholars Program was founded in February of 2006 by Bartlesville Board of Education member Barry W. Lowe and his wife, Karen. Aimed at students who currently attend or have attended Jane Phillips Elementary – a school within the Bartlesville Public School District which has a high rate of students on free and reduced lunch plans – the program offers them a scholarship to a participating college or university once they complete it. The participating institutions of higher learning are Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University and now, RSU-Bartlesville.
The participating schools have been challenged to match the Lowes' contributions toward the program.
“I am extremely pleased in our partnership with RSU,” says Karen Lowe. “I am an alumnus of RSU, so of course, this partnership is special to me.
“Together – with our other university partners, OSU and OWU – we look forward to changing the lives of Bartlesville students to give them hope and faith in their futures.”
The Lowe Family Young Scholars Program has flourished since its advent. The organization holds quarterly meetings for students, parents and mentors alike as the progress of the scholars are noted while team-building exercises are held as well. Several distinguished speakers have addressed program members during the quarterly meetings including retired Washington County District Judge Janice Dreiling and state representative Earl Sears, who has offered page opportunities to interested Lowe scholars.
The Lowe Family Young Scholars Program continues through the end of a student's senior year of high school. Those who wish to learn more about the program – or perhaps apply to become a scholar – can call 336-5678 or send an email of inquiry to LoweYoungScholar@aol.com .
“Here we are in our third year, and we have 21 young scholars already,” notes Barry W. Lowe, who has dedicated the program to the memory of his parents, Wilbur D. and Grace Lowe. “Our goal was to have 20 participants by our 10 th year.
“This is great.”
The first person to ever receive a Lowe Family Young Scholars Scholarship, Kelsey Bridges is quickly nearing the completion of her freshman year at OSU, where she is majoring in education.
RSU opened its Bartlesville campus in 2005, where it now boasts more than 700 students per semester. The branch is located in the historic nine-story Reda Building , at the intersection of Fourth St. and Dewey Ave. in the downtown area. The building was originally constructed in 1919. The main RSU campus can be found in Claremore.
RSU-Bartlesville offers hundreds of classes in a wide array of degree fields, serving students in the general northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas regions.
Several RSU representatives were on hand for Wednesday evening's reception at the Bartlesville History Museum . Among them were Dr. Larry Rice, president designate and chief operating officer for RSU; Bill Beierschmitt, provost and chief operating officer for RSU-Bartlesville; Connie Beair, community relations for RSU-Bartlesville; and Boyle. Both Rice and Boyle are first-generation college graduates in their respective families and know full well the tremendous impact a degree can have on one's life.
“The lack of a good education can hinder a person in several different areas,” says Rice. “We're proud of the RSU-Bartlesville's new partnership with the Lowe Family Young Scholars Program and the promise of a brighter future for all of those students who will be able to benefit from it.”
A member of the Bartlesville Board of Education since 2002, Barry W. Lowe certainly knows the benefits of a good education as well. He can see the benefits of the growth of the Lowe Family Young Scholars Program, also – through expanded membership and quality partner institutions such as RSU.
“RSU's leadership has demonstrated a vigor that can only help improve the Lowe Family Young Scholars Program,” says Barry W. Lowe. “RSU's growth in Bartlesville and Claremore will provide additional opportunities for our students and our program.
“RSU's enthusiasm to raise endowment funds for scholarships will allow for more opportunities for the children in Bartlesville.”
A partnership between the Lowe Family Young Scholars Program and Rogers State University-Bartlesville was announced April 23 during a special reception at the Bartlesville History Museum. Among the key people who have helped to make the partnership a reality are (from left) Bill Beierschmitt, provost and chief operating officer for RSU-Bartlesville; Dr. Larry Rice, president designate and chief operating officer for RSU; Barry W. Lowe, of the Bartlesville Board of Education; Karen Lowe; and Dr. Danette Boyle, vice president for development at RSU.