As the Delta Community Credit Union Scholarship reaches it's 10th anniversary, we're taking a special look back at our former scholarship recipients to see where they are now.
In the third installment of our follow up series, our 2013 recipients provide updates on grad school, internships, post graduation plans and more. Check out their profiles to see their latest accomplishments and to read their thoughts about the Delta Community Credit Union Scholarship.
Courtney
Courtney after her pharmacy school white coat ceremony
Name: Courtney Knight
School: Mercer University College of Pharmacy
Coursework: Doctor of Pharmacy
Academic Achievement: After three years of coursework at Shorter University, Courtney gained early acceptance to the Mercer University College of Pharmacy program. As a result of her strong academic standing, she was able to begin pharmacy school before completing an undergraduate program.
Community Involvement: Courtney participates in public health events throughout the southeast helping to provide immunizations, patient assessments and HIV testing. Most recently, she assisted a group of Mercer University Physician Assistant students with immunizations at a church in North Carolina. Courtney also volunteers as the bookkeeper for her brother’s travel baseball team.
On Campus: Courtney was elected by her fellow pharmacy students as the Honor Council Representative for the Class of 2019. She serves on the college’s judicial body to recommend disciplinary actions for academic violations. Courtney has also been invited to join the Council of Students, which governs the College of Pharmacy student body.
What's Next: After obtaining her Doctor of Pharmacy in May 2019, Courtney will start her career as a Pharmacist. She plans to identify her pharmacy specialty as she continues her in-school rotations.
“I was humbled by the generosity and support that Delta Community showed me. My lifelong dream of becoming a pharmacist was possible thanks to the generous educational scholarship.”
Karli
Karli during her Disney College Program internship
Name: Karli Walleser
School: Louisiana State University
Major: Mass Communications, Minor in Dance and Business Administration
Global Experience: Last summer, Karli studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan and Beijing, China. She spent 4 weeks learning Chinese art forms with a concentration on traditional Chinese dance at the National Taiwan University of Arts and an additional week visiting cultural sites in China, like the Forbidden City, Olympic Park and Great Wall.
Community Involvement: As a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Karli participates in philanthropic events that benefit the local chapter of Court-Appointed Special Advocates. She also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Volunteer LSU. In her larger community, Karli is passionately involved with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Association, an organization that impacts her family as her younger sister awaits a multi-organ transplant.
Professional Development: In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Karli has worked in the LSU Graduate School Dean’s Office and served as a radio reporter for the school newspaper. Most significantly, Karli took a huge step towards her dream of working at the Walt Disney Company by participating in the Disney College Program, where she lived and worked at Disney World for 5 months.
Post-Graduation Plans: Karli expects to graduate in December 2017 or May 2018 and then plans to pursue a career with the Walt Disney Company’s Community Relations department.
“I just want to sincerely thank Delta Community for its contributions to students and higher education through this scholarship program. Having some of the financial stress taken off of college makes the experience that much more enjoyable. I can spend more time learning and networking, rather than worrying about how I am going to pay for textbooks. I promise, as a recipient, that I don’t take these blessings for granted.”
Ty
Ty (right) and his younger sister
Name: Ty Nelson
School: University of Georgia
Coursework: Master of Accountancy
Academic Success: Ty continues to excel academically with a 3.97 undergraduate GPA and a spot in the selective University of Georgia Masters of Accountancy dual degree program. In addition to his Delta Community Scholarship, Ty also received the Zell Miller Scholarship and the UGA Presidential Scholarship.
Giving Back: Currently, Ty sits on the Finance Committee of UGA Miracle, a student-run organization that raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This year the organization raised and donated $1.06 million to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospital network.
Career Growth: Last summer, Ty worked as an audit intern at Windham and Brannon, an accounting firm in Atlanta. This summer he will be working as a business analyst at a Georgia-Pacific mill in Savannah.
Future Plans: Ty plans to take the certified public accountant exam this fall and graduate December 2016 with his Bachelors in Accounting and Master of Accountancy. After graduation, Ty plans to find a position in the accounting or finance division of a Fortune 500 company.
“I’d like to thank [Delta Community] for all the support they’ve given me throughout my college years, not only with the scholarship, but also as my go-to credit union and bank.”
