Doré scholarship helps fill in the gap

Twenty-eight students are attending McNeese State University thanks in part to the Horatio Alger William J. Doré Louisiana Scholarship.

This award is changing the lives of students by allowing them to invest in their education without worrying about the financial burden many families face to pay for college, according to Ralynn Castete, scholarships director at Mc-Neese.

“This award specifically recognizes those students who have faced and overcome great obstacles to succeed in their education,” Castete said.

The scholarship was established by McNeese graduate William “Bill” J. Doré, founder of Global Industries Ltd., a worldwide marine construction and offshore diving company. Doré is a national Horatio Alger Award recipient for his lifetime achievement and success as an entrepreneur.

“Mr. Doré began his small business with just three employees, but through perseverance and hard work, his company is now a worldwide leader in its field,” Castete said.

One of the scholarship recipients, Farmina Islam, is a freshman engineering major from Lake Charles. Making McNeese her first choice was never in question — Islam has three sisters who are all McNeese graduates. However, with the TOPS program not fully funded, her family worried about how the remaining cost of her education would be met. Receiving this scholarship filled in the gap.

“When I found out I had received this scholarship, I was so excited but also relieved that my family would not have to worry about finding a way to financially support my education. I have been able to purchase my books and supplies for the semester. Everything is an expense but now my family is left without a financial hardship,” Islam said. “Being recognized with this award for my hard work as a student has only motivated me to continue devoting my time to making my dreams a reality.”

Michelle Andrepont, a senior health and human performance major, is also a scholarship recipient. Andrepont, who commutes to McNeese from Jennings, has been able to pursue her degree because of this scholarship.

“When I was deciding where to go to college, the scholarship offers played a role in my decision. McNeese became my first choice because this award allowed my family to have peace of mind about funding my education,” Andrepont said. “The scholarship has given me the drive to excel and remain focused in my studies.”

To find out more about the Horatio Alger William J. Doré Louisiana Scholarship, call McNeese’s Student Central at 475-5065.

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Tori Hebert is a communication specialist at McNeese State University.