The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

When Jennifer Rich graduated first in her high school class of 16 in the small Texas town of Loraine, she yearned to continue her education, even though no one in her family had attended college. "I was hoping to get a scholarship, but I didn't know where I could go to college or if I could even afford to go," she said. Now, three years later, the senior at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) will graduate in December 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and is seeking teacher certification to teach math at the secondary school level (eighth through twelfth grades). Thanks to funding from The Warren Equipment Company Endowed Presidential Scholarship, Jennifer will not only complete the Fall 2003 semester as a first-generation graduate and certified teacher, she also has the distinction of receiving a 2003 All-American Scholar Athlete Award, for her outstanding academic record and soccer performance, from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes. She also served as a Falcon Ambassador representing the university at official events, and as a mentor for new students with the Orientation Leaders Association.

"That's the real difference the scholarship made," Jennifer said. "It allowed me to pursue extracurricular activities, and academics full-time, and to work part-time. The scholarship removed a huge financial burden from me and my family, and I never expected that I would be able to play soccer and softball, too." The aspiring teacher said, "What The Warren Equipment Company invested in me, I will have for the rest of my life, and the rest of my career."

Jennifer Rich	Now, Jennifer plans to teach and encourage high school students to seek an advanced degree. She said her success has already made an impact on her younger sister. "She definitely wants to come to UTPB, where I got a lot of personal attention and encouragement. But, I would never have had the ability to fulfill my dreams without the endowment." UT Permian Basin President Dr. W. David Watts
said he is proud of the academic and extracurricular achievements of students who have benefited from scholarships and those like Jennifer who - from a private endowment invested in the Long Term Fund - will be able to create an academic foundation to better her life, her future, and the future of all of the students whom she will teach.