UNT Kuehne Speaker Series awards three $25,000 scholarships for 2021-22 academic year

Friday, September 17, 2021 - 12:04
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DENTON (UNT), Texas — The UNT Kuehne Speaker Series is expanding its support of academic excellence at the University of North Texas through a transformative new scholarship program.

With more than $3 million raised for scholarships since 2013, the series board of directors has launched the Kuehne Speaker Series Scholarship Program. For the 2021-22 academic year, the program’s first three Kuehne Scholars were awarded $25,000 each, making it one of the largest donor-funded scholarships at UNT.

“I am extremely proud that the Kuehne Speaker Series Board of Directors voted unanimously to award impactful and life-changing scholarships that cover a large percentage of college expenses for recipients,” said G. Brint Ryan, chair of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series Board of Directors.

The series was established by alumnus Ernie Kuehne (’66) to create meaningful networking opportunities, bring prominent speakers to the North Texas region, give UNT visibility and support UNT students. A semi-annual event, the series features high-profile speakers and engages area business and philanthropic sponsors, encouraging continued university partnerships.

"When founding this series eight years ago, I was committed to make it successful, sustaining and impactful to the university,” Ernie Kuehne said. “With our hard work and dedication, we have not only met that commitment and been able to tell UNT’s story, but exceeded it by becoming a scholarship series that will change the lives of students and their families.”

In addition to scholarship funds, Kuehne Scholars will receive access to networking and mentorship opportunities with members of the board of directors and UNT donors.

The 2021-22 Kuehne Scholars — Accounting junior JaQualia Morris, accounting junior Lorenzo Wilson and marketing senior Camryn Yoder — will be recognized at the series’ speaker events featuring James Carville on November 4, 2021, and Herschel Walker on February 10, 2022. 

“This is such an amazing opportunity that offers a lot of financial stability and helps me set a firm foundation for the plans I have after graduation,” Yoder said. 

Morris says that being a UNT student has already helped her strive for greatness. As a Kuehne Scholar, she is motivated to push even further academically. 

“I feel very encouraged, like my hard work is paying off,” Morris said. “And now my family can relax and know that I am focusing on school and putting forth my best efforts.”   

Hesitant to apply for such a competitive scholarship, Wilson was speechless when he was told he had been selected as a Kuehne Scholar. But the award falls in line with how he sees his university — a caring place full of opportunity. 

“Thanks to the Kuehne Speaker Series donors, I’m a member of the UNT family, part of a tight-knit community,” Wilson said. “It’s truly life-changing.” 

“We’re so grateful to the UNT donors who have made the Kuehne Speaker Series Scholarship Program possible,” said David Wolf, vice president for University Advancement. “Their ongoing commitment to the University of North Texas and our students will have an incredible impact on the lives of our outstanding Kuehne Scholars.”

Kuehne Speaker Series event tickets are available through table sponsorships. Visit Kuehne Speaker Series to learn more.

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