Inaugural recipient of the Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University’s Endowed Scholarship
LaNyah Terry first caught a glimpse of her future in the sixth grade when she participated in GE Girls. The General Electric-sponsored program brought Terry and nearly 200 other girls from Greater Cleveland-area schools to Case Western Reserve University for hands-on activities to inspire interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math and medicine.
The experience made an impression on her and, six years later, Terry walked onto the same campus—but this time, as a member of CWRU’s Class of 2026.
“Case Western Reserve was my first choice for college,” she said, “but I wasn’t sure if I would get in.” Terry’s father died while she was in middle school, which affected her grades. It also made money tight at home. Even if she was accepted to CWRU, Terry recalled, she wasn’t sure if her family could afford it.
Her mother encouraged her to attend Case Western Reserve, despite the financial challenges. Then during Terry’s first semester, she and her mother got a surprise.
Terry was selected as the inaugural recipient of The Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University’s Endowed Scholarship—a partial scholarship fueled by the support of nearly 450 alumni and friends, endowed at $60,250 in 2021 and currently valued at more than $121,000.
“My mom was extremely happy when I told her the news,” Terry recalled. “Now we know we can cover tuition next semester and I can focus on school instead of the financial stress.”
Inspired by the experiences of family members and her own struggles with chronic illness, Terry is studying chemistry and hopes to develop treatments for chronic physical and mental ailments. She is already taking advantage of research opportunities in pursuit of her goal, even exploring subjects outside her comfort zone and finding new interests. She is also active in the university’s American Sign Language Club, as well as with various Black organizations on campus, including the African American Society and the Sisterhood.
“My family and I are so grateful for this scholarship and for the alumni support that made it possible,” Terry said. “I hope the program continues for other students because it has made such a big difference for me. It means the world.”
Make a difference for students like Terry with your gift to The Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University’s Endowed Scholarship Fund. Plus, you can amplify your impact by spreading the word on social media during CWRU Day of Giving on Tuesday, April 4.