Why I give
Business Catalyst Scholars Program
As the ninth of 11 children growing up in Tillamook, Oregon, Patty (White) Bedient ’75 didn’t have many opportunities to be philanthropic.
“Money was tight in a family of 11 children,” she said. “It was never certain I was going to attend college, and I really appreciated the opportunity.”
The valedictorian of her high school class, Bedient made it to OSU because of scholarship support and her own hard work.
Her college experience — as well as her involvement — left an indelible impression on her, and gave her a foundation for the leadership positions she held throughout her career.
Bedient wants everyone to have that chance, especially people for whom college seems out of reach. That’s why she and her husband, Ron, are helping fund the new Business Catalyst Scholars Program in the College of Business.
The program provides students with support beyond scholarships, including an upper-class peer mentor, a professional mentor, academic and personal check-ins by the college’s support teams, and career guidance starting in the first year.
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