TWU University Advancement - Foundation Annual Report 2023
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
WILLIAMS’ YELLOW BRICK ROAD<br />
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP<br />
Established and Funded March <strong>2023</strong><br />
This year’s senior giving challenge (SGC) was another huge success! In addition to a 25%<br />
increase in participation, the university received a SGC gift that created a named annual<br />
scholarship. Ashlyn Pedroza ’23 created the Williams' Yellow Brick Road <strong>Annual</strong> Scholarship<br />
to support an incoming <strong>TWU</strong> student from Crowley Independent School District (ISD). With<br />
two children before completing high school, Ashlyn struggled to pursue her education due<br />
to financial instability. Despite the circumstances, she worked hard to complete high school,<br />
earn her associate’s degree and transfer to <strong>TWU</strong> where she completed her bachelor’s degree<br />
in social work.<br />
Ashlyn was inspired to create the scholarship in honor and memory of her mentor and<br />
Crowley ISD teacher B.J. Williams. “Mrs. Williams saw potential in all of her students<br />
despite the life obstacles we were faced with,” she shares. And, Ashlyn wants this<br />
scholarship to mirror the acts of Mrs. Williams and for her fellow Pioneers to have access<br />
to the same support she did. “Mrs. Williams’ life revolved around her students. She will<br />
forever be remembered for her selfless heart and fascination with the Wizard of Oz.” <strong>TWU</strong><br />
is incredibly grateful to Ashlyn for her generosity and willingness to pay it forward.<br />
31
Change language