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News & Updates
Someone believes in me
By Maureen Horcher '09
Like many other students with a decent GPA, I came to Bradley four years ago on a small university scholarship. I couldn’t prove financial need, but most of us know that doesn’t mean the need isn’t there.
Maureen Horcher '09 (center) stands with Don Holton '70 (left) and Dr. Paul Snider (right) at the annual scholarship luncheon.
When scholarship applications became available within the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, I hopped to it. I picked up every application available. I filled them out and sent them in, not thinking I would get anything. And for two years, I didn’t.
I received the Paul B. Snider Journalism Scholarship my junior year. I didn’t see the scholarship as just a means to pay bills. This scholarship was attached with the knowledge that someone believed in me, and not because they had to. This stranger looked at my writing samples and saw something in me that I didn’t even see at the time. Potential. Only a message this powerful can penetrate the hearts and minds of insecure college students.
I met my financial benefactor, Don Holton ’70 who established the scholarship and Dr. Snider for whom the scholarship was named at the annual scholarship luncheon. Both men had fascinating backgrounds. Although Mr. Holton has a journalism background, he became very successful in banking and was the CEO of an international banking trade association. Mr. Holton had only wonderful things to say about his old journalism instructor, Dr. Snider, for whom he has the highest respect.
Both Mr. Holton and I listened intently as Dr. Snider shared his journalistic knowledge and experience about starting as a paperboy and moving all the way up through the ranks. He was a communication officer in World War II, got his masters and Ph. D. and taught at many different universities before coming to Bradley. Dr. Snider was the chairman of the Journalism program from 1956-1970. He has traveled the globe to more than 35 countries, written for various publications and received countless awards. Dr. Snider’s success story inspires anyone in earshot, and it has taught me the importance of gaining as much knowledge and experience as I can in every situation I encounter.
Since I met Dr. Snider and Mr. Holton, I have tried to show my appreciation by working hard in school and improving my writing skills. I have since written for diverse university and off-campus publications. I have conducted difficult interviews and jumped through hoops for the sake of truth. Through confidence I borrowed from these mentors, I have rooted my own modest foundation. And no matter where my future takes me, I will always remember the generosity of Mr. Holton and Dr. Snider.
There is immense sentiment in knowing someone believes in you not because they have to, but because they want to. Even after I leave Bradley in May, I will continue my appreciation for Dr. Snider and Mr. Holton by pursuing honest success and one day investing in a young kid the same way they invested in me.