Local scholarship helps EWU student achieve in the classroom and on the field

Maggie Nelson has always been a hard worker, but she felt like her goals were just out of reach due to the constraints of her situation. “Growing up in a small farming community, I felt that I was at odds to finish a four-year degree and compete at NCAA Division 1 for track and field,” she says.

Now, Maggie will be graduating from Eastern Washington University (EWU) in Spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management, with minors in Business Administration and in Communications. She is a four-year recipient of the Joe and June Fulton Scholarship through Innovia Foundation.

Throughout college, Maggie worked as a nanny, farmhand and hostess. She excelled both academically and in track and field, while still making time for a range of community service activities—including volunteering with a food bank, church service projects, Santa Express and the South Hill Bible Church AWANA.

“Because of the generosity of those who support higher education and really take an interest in students’ lives, I accomplished so many goals and had better financial security,” Maggie says. “Whether it’s in athletics or academics, it’s always a good decision to work hard and put your best effort forward if you want to succeed.” Maggie plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration from EWU after she graduates.