Philanthropy in Action: Scholarship Success Stories

Sarah Sanjoh headshotSarah Sanjoh, Sophomore in Electrical Engineering

What is your hometown?

I was born in Bellaire, Texas, but I was raised in Mamou, Louisiana. I later moved to Lake Charles towards the beginning of my high school career. I consider all three of these cities my home.

What is your major?

My major is electrical engineering, and after I graduate, I plan to go to law school.

What motivated you to choose LSU for your college education?

I picked LSU because of its excellent and well-renowned engineering program. I’m excited to partake and utilize my resources to excel throughout undergrad. Additionally, I love the chance to live in Baton Rouge.

What was your reaction when you learned you would receive a scholarship?

One of the first things I did when I found out I had received an academic scholarship from LSU, was to tell my parents. My mother was exceptionally happy. She cooked one of my favorite meals.

Why is having a scholarship important for you?

A scholarship is important because it allows me not to worry too much about where I’m going to get the money to pay for my school fees and books. I can focus more on my schoolwork, allowing me to keep a high GPA. I can also volunteer more and participate in clubs.

What do you hope to accomplish after LSU and for your career?

Occasionally, I think about what I would like to achieve in the future. One of my goals I want to do, using my knowledge as an engineer, is to make a golf club accessory that makes it easier to swing the golf club, so it’s not as hard on the body. 

What would you say to someone considering a gift to support scholarships?

The cost of college has gone up these past decades. Any amount, no matter how small, can help a student pay for different fees. From textbooks to food or even long socks for the winter, it’s the little things that can make a difference in making it easier for students to further their education.


Madalyn Mouton headshot

Madalyn Mouton, Sophomore in Environmental Engineering

What is your hometown? 

Lafayette, Louisiana

What is your major?

Civil and Environmental Engineering

What motivated you to choose LSU for your college education?

LSU really cares about their students and the experience they gain from their college education. For me, LSU presented me with all the opportunities I wanted for my college education and more. I feel like I can have a bigger impact with an LSU degree and my ambition.

What was your reaction when you learned you would receive a scholarship?

I could not believe it. It did not feel real. I called my mom because I was so excited. I was preparing to work on the side of school to afford it. This lifted a whole mountain of stress off my shoulders. I am really thankful for the opportunity. 

Why is having a scholarship important for you?

It allows me to focus on my schoolwork. It allows me to volunteer more to help my community and work on extracurriculars that will better me. It allows me the freedom to pursue what I really want to do within my majors.

What do you hope to accomplish after LSU and for your career?

I’m going to get my master’s in water resources to do research for the government on coastal and water infrastructure issues. I then hope to get my doctorate and become a professor on sustainability. 

What would you say to someone considering a gift to support scholarships?

Think of it as putting money towards the future. Your gift would enable the next great mind to solve world problems. You are giving them a boost to be successful. It will really mean a lot to those students and their families


 

Mason French headshotMason French, Junior in Construction Management

What is your hometown?

New Orleans, Louisiana

What is your major?

Construction Management

What motivated you to choose LSU for your college education?

LSU was a perfect fit for me for a few reasons. It was close to home, affordable, offered the major I wanted, and was a unique school with a diverse student body.

What was your reaction when you learned you would receive a scholarship?

I was ecstatic when I learned the news that I would receive a scholarship. Not only was a financial burden lifted off my shoulders, but it felt as though my hard work was paying off.

Why is having a scholarship important for you?

Having a scholarship is important to me because it lifts a financial burden off my shoulders and allows me to accomplish my goal of graduating with $0 in student loans.

What do you hope to accomplish after LSU and for your career?

After I graduate LSU, I want to get a job working for a large civil engineering company as a project engineer. Eventually, I want to open my own construction company specializing in tunneling boring and dam construction.

What would you say to someone considering a gift to support scholarships?

Gifting scholarship money to students is a great way to help future generations reach their goals and change the world. Not only do you change a young person’s life, but you also motivate them further to accomplish their goals and change the world.