The Power of a Scholarship: Giving Back Helps Students Move Forward

As a 2024 graduate of the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration’s MBA program, Grayson Stepanek understands the importance of scholarships first-hand.

Stepanek, who is a recent recipient of the F. Stan Hardee, Jr./ Board of Regents Support Fund Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship, believes that “scholarships provide people with opportunities and provide them with financial security through their academic journey as they pursue their dreams and aspirations.”

While Stepanek’s particular award is merit-based and factored in his GPA, career experience, achievements, campus and community involvement and leadership qualities, many scholarships based on talent, service or financial need are also available to UL Lafayette students.

For Stepanek, who also received his undergraduate degree in marketing from UL Lafayette in 2022, the scholarship provided a financial security that alleviated stress so he could focus on completing the traditional MBA program while simultaneously building a career in marketing. “It allowed me to pour my heart into what I truly care about,” he said. “My family, friends, University and community.”

Scholarships play a vital role in making higher education more attainable for those who face challenging financial circumstances – and this education makes it possible for students to pursue academic and career opportunities that may not be attainable otherwise.

“Without scholarships, many people would not be able to afford higher education or have opportunities to pursue various ventures, which would disproportionately hurt intelligent and skilled individuals who [have a difficult] financial situation,” Stepanek added.

Stepanek’s scholarship donor, F. Stan Hardee, Jr. ‘66, created the fund to provide an academic scholarship to eligible students pursuing a graduate degree, specifically a Master of Business Administration. Hardee, who studied economics at UL Lafayette and serves on the UL Lafayette Foundation Board of Trustees, endowed the fund in conjunction with the State of Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund. As an endowed scholarship, it will generate earnings annually and be awarded in perpetuity.

Scholarships like the one created by Hardee and the University’s many generous donors are critical. It relieves the financial burden some students feel, and allows them to have more time to dedicate to their studies and extracurricular activities.

Stepanek says he would not be who he is today without the organizations—and the people—who have supported him. “I think that’s a very important aspect of scholarships that people don’t often mention. Yes, you’re supporting a student’s academic journey, as we’re all here to get an education. But, you’re also supporting a student in their efforts to develop, grow and experience life,” he shared. “I think that investment in personal growth and experience pays dividends far larger than any dollar amount could ever quantify.”

Today, just a few months after graduation, Stepanek’s academic achievements and personal development have led him to help others pursue their dreams and aspirations, too. In June, he became the director of marketing and communications for Goodwill Acadiana. In this role, he will contribute to ensuring those in need have access to employment services, adult education classes and more to improve their quality of life.

Stepanek says he is sincerely thankful for Hardee’s “generosity and community involvement, as his contributions have impacted me more than I can express and truly set me up for success.”