Tyler Longacre

Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR.

2024 Scholarship Recipient

I am incredibly grateful to the Pacific Northwest Veterans’ Alliance for awarding me this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship is substantial because it will allow me to focus more on my studies rather than working every weekend to pay for my undergraduate degree.
I am currently majoring in Biochemistry and plan to apply to medical school after obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree. If I’m able to successfully matriculate into med school, I would like to match into an Emergency Medicine program and eventually come back to a rural location, potentially La Grande!
Thank you for your generosity and support as I work toward achieving my goals.

Julianne Jones

Utah State University

2024 Scholarship Recipient

I am honored and deeply grateful to the Pacific Northwest Veterans’ Alliance for supporting my educational journey through the 2024 scholarship. This opportunity has been instrumental in helping me pursue my passion for aviation and my goal of giving back to our community.
I am currently attending Utah State University, majoring in Aviation Technology with a minor in Forest Ecology and Management. Thanks to this scholarship, I can cover the costly flight fees required for my training.
My ultimate goal is to return to Oregon and serve our community as a wildland firefighting aviator. Your investment in my education means the world to me, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. Thank you again for your incredible generosity and support.

Alexandra Rees

Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR.

2024 Scholarship Recipient

I am honored to express my deepest gratitude to the Pacific Northwest Veterans’ Alliance for selecting me as the recipient of the 2024 scholarship. This recognition has had a profound impact on my life, and I am sincerely thankful for your generosity and support.
As a mother to two daughters, a full-time employee at a local nonprofit, and an active volunteer on seven local and state committees, I am deeply committed to helping others and fostering community engagement. In addition to these responsibilities, I attend Eastern Oregon University full-time online, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Sociology with a concentration in Anthropology and a minor in Native American Studies.
My educational journey is driven by a passion for understanding and contributing to the betterment of society. Upon graduating, I plan to pursue a career in the Social Sciences, where I can apply my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while doing the work I love.
This scholarship has made a significant difference in helping me achieve my educational and career aspirations. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity and for supporting my journey. Your generosity means more than words can express.

Grace Gruenwald

Montana State University

2024 Scholarship Recipient

My name is Grace, and I will be attending Montana State University, where I will work towards becoming a registered nurse. From a young age, I have been deeply motivated by the desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Nursing is more than a career for me—it is a calling. As a registered nurse, I aim to support individuals across diverse backgrounds and needs, providing care and compassion when they need it most. I chose MSU because of its highly regarded nursing program, which aligns perfectly with my goals. To prepare for this next step, I have already completed coursework in math, writing, psychology, nutrition, and Spanish at my local community college. Additionally, I am volunteering at a local doctor’s office to gain firsthand experience and confirm my commitment to this path. I will complete CPR training and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, allowing me to work as a CNA while pursuing my degree. These experiences, coupled with the education I will receive at MSU, will help me grow into a skilled and compassionate healthcare professional.

Jillian Denney

Oregon Health and Science University, La Grande, OR.

2023 Scholarship Recipient

My name is Jill, and I attend Oregon Health and Science University on the Eastern Oregon University Campus. I am in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. I am currently in the Army National Guard and plan to commission into the Army Nursing Corps, when I have completed my studies and obtained my BSN R.N. With my career, I plan to continue service in reserves as an R.N. and work in a Trauma or Emergency Department in a rural area. Receiving this scholarship has lessened the burden of the financial toll that comes with pursuing a degree and is allowing me to focus on my studies and skills to become the most qualified R.N. that I can be. I am very grateful to have been awarded this scholarship and will continue to work hard to reach my academic and career goals!

Kamryn Boston

Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR.

2023 Scholarship Recipient

As I have gone through my school years, going from classroom to classroom, I realized my
passions lie within them. My intended career path chosen as I attend post-high school education is to earn a Master’s Degree in Elementary School Education. I plan to attend Eastern Oregon University to commit to my educational journey. I always wanted to walk in the footsteps of the teachers that taught me. I
enjoyed being the help that led them to their achievements. Assisting the new generations in how they will impact the community is my overall goal in becoming an educator. Earning my Master’s degree will help guide me through the tough job of education. Along with achieving a Master’s degree, being granted this scholarship has assisted me in my financial situation in committing to college. The money I received from this scholarship all started with an opportunity that was presented to me. Being able to say “I did it” really does mean a lot to me. Additionally, it helped with my gains moving me through my college experience.

Hailey Gardner

The University of Idaho, Moscow, ID.

2023 Scholarship Recipient

I plan to attend the University of Idaho to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. My ultimate goal is to become a mechanical field engineer. I want to create and execute designs that improve efficiency, manage time, and are cost-effective from start to finish. An engineering degree will help me gain the experience and skills I need to be successful while conquering the field as a woman in STEAM. My background in CAD and 3D printing, along with the use of my problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, teamwork capabilities, and drive, makes engineering the perfect career for me. I have also assembled and repaired numerous 3D printers at home and at school. This scholarship will provide me with the financial support I need to pay for my tuition. I intend to use this scholarship to bridge the gap between the money I have saved and the money I still need to pursue my degree.

Jacqlyn Albert

Brigham Young University, Rexburg, ID.

2023 Scholarship Recipient

I intend on pursuing to be a Registered Nurse at Brigham Young University in Idaho. I am striving to get into the nursing program after finishing my prerequisites and then graduate with my BSN. My degree will help me achieve my goals because I knew I wanted to be around people, and I know I can handle stressful situations well. Helping people would be the most satisfying thing for me to do in life. After graduating from Brigham Young University in Idaho, I would love to come back to this area and work in a hospital as a Nurse. Receiving this scholarship is such a blessing. It will help me with my student loans financially and be able to assist me with my pathway toward achieving my nursing degree.