An endowment has been established in the East Central University Foundation Inc. by Richard and Sharon Bays of Davis in honor and memory of their daughter, Shelby Jane Bays.
The Shelby Jane Bays Memorial Scholarship will be awarded each year to an upper division student who is preparing for a career in dentistry or the medical profession. Priority will be given to students majoring in biology, physics or chemistry, in that order.
"Shelby was a beautiful and loving daughter and a devoted and hard working student as well as a friend and colleague to many," said Dr. Gerald Williamson of ECU's Office of Advancement. "This fund has been established to reward, encourage and provide financial support to students who possess similar attributes, goals and aspirations that epitomize Shelby Jane Bays."
To be considered, a student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.1, be committed to completing a degree in his or her major and be in good conduct standing with the university. Preference will be given to students whose scholarships, grants or other fund sources will not pay all their expenses but do require repayment.
"On behalf of the students in the College of Health & Sciences, we wish to thank Richard and Sharon Bays for establishing this memorial scholarship in honor of their daughter," said Dr. Bruce Weems, dean of the college. "We hope to select students who in every way possible reflect the academic standards and personal attributes that characterized Shelby. Through this special gift, the success that these scholarship students will achieve in the future will forever be part of her past."
The foundation's scholarship committee will select recipients based on the recommendations of a committee of faculty members from the departments of biology and physics/chemistry who are appointed by the health and sciences dean.
"Shelby Bays was one of my best students in General Physics I and II," said Dr. Karen Williams, professor of physics. "Because of her talent in both physics and mathematics, I tried to convince her to become a physics major or a medical physics major, but Shelby was firm in her decision to help others through dentistry.
"She was well thought of and respected by the entire class, some of whom she tutored for free," Williams said. "I believe that Shelby would be very proud that others are being financially assisted by the establishment of this scholarship by her parents."
The number and amount of scholarships awarded each year will be determined by the funds available. The award is to be divided equally between the fall and spring semesters.
"ECU has a long history of successful pre-dentistry students, many of whom have struggled more financially than academically," said Dr. Larry Choate, professor of biology. "This scholarship will enhance that history and have a substantial impact on the lives of deserving students."
# # #