UW-Milwaukee Honors Scholarship Recipients

A year and a half ago, 35-year old Brian Tebbitt quit his job as a scheduling manager and became the first in his family to attend college. Upon returning to the United States after traveling overseas, Tebbitt and his wife struggled to find a job.

“A high school diploma will no longer get you where you need to go,” said Tebbitt. Motivated by their four adolescent children, both he and his wife decided to go to pursue an education. UW-Milwaukee was Tebbitt’s first choice.

“UWM is doing things and they’re making a difference, and they have a reputation. I’m very proud to be a part of the work that they do, and I aspire to be a part of the work that they do,” Tebbitt said.

Now, Tebbitt is a Philosophy and Linguistics double major and recipient of the William F. Halloran scholarship. He spoke during the reception where scholarship and award recipients were invited to celebrate their achievements with donors, family and professors at the Golda Meier library.

“Up until about a year and a half ago, I had been employed since I was 13,” said Tebbitt during the 2015 College of Letters and Science scholarship reception on Oct. 13.

Looking forward, Tebbitt doesn’t have a specific career in mind.

“The world is a fast-pace and ever-changing place and everyday the job markets and job demands change,” said Tebbitt.

Tebbitt is one of fewer than 500 students who received an award or scholarship through the College of Letters and Science. The College of Letters & Science collaborates with donors to choose recipients.

This year, more than $480,000 in scholarship money was awarded to students. The College of Letters and Science is the largest of UWM’s schools and colleges offering degrees typically related to liberal arts.

Rodney Swain, dean of the College of Letters and Science, began the reception by briefly recognizing each recipient. He then invited Mackenzie Wade, recipient of the New Directions Scholarship and award for Outstanding Performance in Introductory Chemistry to speak.

“Receiving this scholarship and recognition has made my future goals one step closer,” Wade said.

After graduation, Wade aspires to a medical career.

Brittany Leblanc, recipient of the John and Lynn Schieck Fellowship in behavioral analysis, shared the impact of her achievement.

“This is an opportunity to focus on my research and follow my opportunity goals,” said LeBlanc.

LeBlanc is a graduate student in the Department of Psychology with a focus on behavioral analysis.  The scholarship allows her to dedicate more time to academics instead of a job –which is exactly what donor William Horseman wanted.

“On a personal level, it is my obligation to pass it on. The support I received when I was in UWM’s Letters and Science college made college possible for me, and I look to ensure that UWM’s accessibility and support for students continues for the next generation,“ said Horseman, supporter of the New Directions Scholarship Fund and former Letters and Science faculty member.