Dr. Randall Lynn Wright Memorial Scholarship
Randall Wright’s life is largely about how he dedicated himself to the greater good of society by educating prisoners in Canadian Correction facilities for over 25 years. After completing his Ph. D. dissertation at the University of Calgary, he began teaching at the James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education at California State University, San Bernardino. He worked closely with Dr. Carolyn Eggleston and Dr. Thom Gehring at the Centre of the Study of Correctional Education at California State University San Bernardino expanding his research and teaching in the MA core, the Ed. D program and in the Education minor program.
Our life stories often shape who we become and how our future paths unfold. They are not meant to confine us but rather, allow us an opportunity to see ourselves through new perspectives.
Randall was the essence of determination. He encountered many challenges in his life journey. With each, he continued living graciously, with an indomitable spirit, and always with a keen sense of humor, he continued to work, love and grow. His unwavering desire for education and it’s potential to transform are at the heart of this scholarship.
California State University of San Bernardino exemplifies the values of service and diversity Randall embodied. Establishing scholarships allow students to grow, work hard, be supported as well as challenged, by the university community who will take the time to build relationships. Having extra funding can make a huge difference for students making their commitment to education more sustainable. As a family we know that this donation will, in some small way, continue Randall’s memory and are certain that Randall would be honored to be part of a plan that facilitates student’s success.
Written by Mrs. Patricia Tansey-Wright
Eva Mae Merchant Endowed Scholarship
In 1903, Eva Mae Merchant was born the eldest child to a Lawrence, Missouri family. Eva Mae experienced child abuse at the age of 12 and was put into foster care by the courts of Missouri.
As a young woman, Eva moved to the San Bernardino area and started working for the Edison Company. She worked for Edison her entire life and retired at the age of 65. Eva was founder of the Beau-Bells Singles dancing club and an associate member of the Laguna Arts Festival. She loved her community and lived in San Bernardino for 60 years. She lived simply and never married, although she had several serious suitors.
Eva is survived by her niece Janet “Jan” Tache who shared her story with us. Jan recalls visiting her Auntie Mae as a child and taking desert walks with her. Auntie Mae was full of laughter and loved to tell jokes and stories. Although Auntie Mae never talked about her childhood, she remained close to her sister and brother all of her life. Earning a modest living, she lived a very frugal lifestyle. Eva died in 1990 at the age of 87 and left her remains to medical science at Loma Linda University.
Eva valued education and wanted to help other young women, like her, to have a chance at an education. Her generous planned gift to CSUSB supports many students in the form of a nursing and a teacher education scholarship. This 26-year-old endowed scholarship continues to produce and award over $15,000 annually to students. Eva Mae Merchant’s generous gift became her legacy.
Congratulations to those students that are sharing in the Eva Mae Merchant’s dream.
In 1903, Eva Mae Merchant was born the eldest child to a Lawrence, Missouri family. Eva Mae experienced child abuse at the age of 12 and was put into foster care by the courts of Missouri.
As a young woman, Eva moved to the San Bernardino area and started working for the Edison Company. She worked for Edison her entire life and retired at the age of 65. Eva was founder of the Beau-Bells Singles dancing club and an associate member of the Laguna Arts Festival. She loved her community and lived in San Bernardino for 60 years. She lived simply and never married, although she had several serious suitors.
Eva is survived by her niece Janet “Jan” Tache who shared her story with us. Jan recalls visiting her Auntie Mae as a child and taking desert walks with her. Auntie Mae was full of laughter and loved to tell jokes and stories. Although Auntie Mae never talked about her childhood, she remained close to her sister and brother all of her life. Earning a modest living, she lived a very frugal lifestyle. Eva died in 1990 at the age of 87 and left her remains to medical science at Loma Linda University.
Eva valued education and wanted to help other young women, like her, to have a chance at an education. Her generous planned gift to CSUSB supports many students in the form of a nursing and a teacher education scholarship. This 26-year-old endowed scholarship continues to produce and award over $15,000 annually to students. Eva Mae Merchant’s generous gift became her legacy.
Congratulations to those students that are sharing in the Eva Mae Merchant’s dream.