Appalachian’s inaugural 2019–20 Beaver Scholars with Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts, third from left in front row, Vickie Beaver, center, and Don Beaver ’62 ’64, third from right in front row, during the reception held for the scholars Sept. 6 in the university’s Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — This fall, 20 students in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS) started classes as Beaver Scholars, qualifying for scholarships of $10,000 per academic year. The first class of scholars for the endowed scholarship program was selected during the 2018–19 academic year.
A reception for the inaugural Beaver Scholars held Sept. 6 at the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences provided the scholars an opportunity to meet their donors, Don Beaver ’62 ’64 and his wife, Vickie Beaver — the couple for whom the college is named. The Beavers established the program with the goal of providing support to North Carolina students with a commitment to health care careers.
In her remarks, Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts thanked the Beavers, stating, “Programs like Beaver Scholars create opportunities for our students to earn an exceptional Appalachian education and to make real and powerful differences in their communities and beyond. For these students, that means advancing the health and well-being of our state’s citizens by increasing the numbers of critical health care personnel in communities that need it most.”
The scholarships, endowed by the Beavers in spring 2019, are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in health-focused programs, with priority given to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving health care in the region. The scholarship is renewable as long as the recipient meets academic standards established by the college.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Appalachian,” Don Beaver shared. “During my senior year, I took an office practice course that included an internship program at Watauga Hospital and that led me to my career in the long-term care field.”
Lexie Farr, a first-year nursing major from Caldwell County, second from left, greets Don Beaver ’62 ’64, far right, and his wife, Vickie Beaver — the benefactors of the Beaver Scholars program — during the reception for the Beaver Scholars held Sept. 6 in Appalachian’s Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. Photo by Audrey Gurkin
Christian Rodriguez, a first-year nursing major, said receiving the Beaver Scholarship provided him with the opportunity to be the first member of his family to attend college.
“This is a big step forward for my family,” he shared. “This scholarship allows me to meet new friends and to expand my networking opportunities, and ultimately to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. I’m very excited to be able to meet the Beavers and personally thank them for their support.”
“Thank you, scholars, for entrusting your education to Appalachian and for answering the call to strengthen health care in our state,” Everts said. “You are already making a difference, and the Appalachian Community will be here, supporting you, always.”
Lexie Farr, a first-year nursing major from Caldwell County, second from left, greets Don Beaver ’62 ’64, far right, and his wife, Vickie Beaver — the benefactors of the Beaver Scholars program — during the reception for the Beaver Scholars held Sept. 6 in Appalachian’s Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. Photo by Audrey Gurkin
To learn more about the Beaver Scholars program and how to apply, visit https://healthsciences.appstate.edu/students/scholarships.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
About the Beaver College of Health Sciences
Appalachian's Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of a strategic university commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond. In 2015, the college was named for an Appalachian alumnus and pioneer in the health care industry — Donald C. Beaver ’62 ’64 of Conover. The college offers nine undergraduate degree programs and seven graduate degree programs, which are organized into six departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health and Exercise Science; Nursing; Nutrition and Health Care Management; Recreation Management and Physical Education; and Social Work. Learn more at https://healthsciences.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
