![\"Randall](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/randall-grider-blog-200x300.jpg\")
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Randall Grider is a senior from Johnston City, Illinois, studying sociology<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Why did you choose SIU?<\/strong> What inspired you to choose your area of study? What was your reaction when you received the Bertrand scholarship? Do you have a message that you would like to share with Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand? Why should donors consider establishing a scholarship fund for students? Has receiving this scholarship inspired you to give back to SIU in the future? <\/p>\n Engage with us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Randall Grider is a senior from Johnston City, Illinois, studying sociology. Why did you choose SIU? I chose SIU because I had firsthand experience with the campus environment while growing up in the area. I really enjoyed the feel of the campus, not too small and not too big, which is something I didn’t find … Continue reading 150 Stories of Philanthropy: SIU Scholarship Recipient Randall Grider<\/span>
\nI chose SIU because I had firsthand experience with the campus environment while growing up in the area. I really enjoyed the feel of the campus, not too small and not too big, which is something I didn’t find at any of the other universities I visited.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I really enjoy studying the social world and trying to understand our current social problems. Studying sociology has definitely been the right major for doing this.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I was extremely grateful. Going to school full time while also working can be very stressful, so receiving this scholarship lifted some of that burden.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I would just like to thank them for their generosity. Not everyone is as kind or generous as the Bertrands are, and this truly makes a difference in so many students’ lives.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Donors can truly impact so many people’s lives by establishing a scholarship fund.\u00a0 From the student’s perspective, receiving a scholarship is so helpful.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I have worked with the Johnston City Music Alumni Association in giving scholarships to local high school seniors each year, who mostly go to SIU.\u00a0 But I would definitely like to set up a larger scholarship fund in the future if I am able to.<\/p>\n