Binc 2014 Higher Education Scholarship Recipients Page 1  

    The Binc Foundation is pleased to announce the award recipients of their 2014 Higher Education Scholarship Program, which saw 53 students, who were either industry booksellers/owners or their dependents or former Borders employees or their dependents, receive almost $200,000 in scholarship funding for their continuing education. The awards were broken down in denominations of $10,000 and $3,500. These recipients were chosen from a pool of 155 exceptional applicants. Those students just entering college had an average high school GPA of 3.79. The students continuing their education had an average collegiate GPA of 3.65. Many of these booksellers and their family members received scholarship awards that helped them achieve their dreams as educators, graphic designers, anthropologists and social workers. Please read on to learn more about our award winners.      

Brittany Parker, Recipient of a $10,000 Binc Scholarship Award School: Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont Major: Psychology and Education City: Manchester Center, VT Store: Northshire Bookstore Educational Plans: “I plan to major in psychology and minor in education and I want to teach elementary school after I graduate.”

 

Hydy Cates, Recipient of a $10,000 Binc Scholarship Award School: Denison University, Grandville, OH Major: Library and Information Science City: Columbus, OH Store: Barnes and Noble Booksellers Educational Plans: “Working towards a Masters of Library & Information Science with a focus on Digital Librarianship & Information Science with an eye towards being involved with the creation of the next generation of Online Public Access Catalogs.”

 

Cassandra Bell, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA Major: Biology City: Chesapeake, VA Store: Zeno’s Books Educational Plans: “I plan to continue my journey at medical school to earn a degree in anesthesiology. I want to be the one to help save lives and make a difference.”

       

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Kristina Bellock, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR Major: Liberal Studies City: Riverside, CA Store: Cellar Door Books Educational Plans: “After completing my BA, I plan to continue on to get a Master’s in Library and Information Science and become a public librarian.”

 

Adam Bicksler, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Major: American Literature City: Riverside, CA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I anticipate teaching English at the secondary level or teaching community college level writing and literary analysis.”

 

Nicolas Bordine, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Glen Oaks Community College, Centreville, MI Major: Computer Support Tech. City: Three Rivers, MI Store: Lowry’s Books and More Educational Plans: “Upon completion, I plan on using this opportunity to start my career as an IT Technician. This will allow me to support my current family, and my family to come.”

 

Jeremy Bridges, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Towson University, Towson, MD Major: Business Administration City: LaVale, MD Store: Books-A-Million Educational Plans: “After I graduate from Towson, I plan on pursuing a career as either a financial advisor or a financial analyst.”

 

Heather Brooks, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Columbia Gorge Community College, The Dalles, OR Major: Physical Therapy City: Hood River, OR Store: Waucoma Bookstore Educational Plans: “I plan on finishing my prereqs for physical therapy school in the next two years and applying to physical therapy programs throughout the West. I would like to own my own clinic in the future.”

       

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McKenzie Carnahan, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Emerson College, Boston, MA Major: Publishing City: Newton Highlands, MA Store: New England Mobile Book Fair Educational Plans: “I plan to graduate from Emerson college in May 2015 and pursue publishing jobs in Boston. I am currently interested in working in subsidiary rights preferable with foreign publishers.”

 

Jessica Chriesman, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL Major: Psychology/Film City: Birmingham, AL Store: Barnes and Noble at UAB Educational Plans: “I hope to obtain a Master’s Degree in filmmaking, become a writer and director, and later study to receive a doctorate in Media Psychology.”

 

Jeremy Clifford, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ Major: Humanities City: Prescott, AZ Store: Peregrine Book Company Educational Plans: “Upon completion of my Bachelor’s Degree, I plan to attend graduate school. Then I will pursue a career in either academics, journalism, or professional editing.”

 

Amber Collins, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL Major: Philosophy City: Malibu, CA Store: Bank of Books Educational Plans: “I want to challenge myself academically and use the knowledge I receive to create something meaningful with purpose.”

 

Martha Cornwell, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of New England, Portland, ME Major: Physician Assistant City: Manchester Center, VT Store: Northshire Bookstore Educational Plans: “I am planning to return to Vermont after my program to practice primary care in a rural area.”

       

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Christina Czuhajewski, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Major: Information Science City: Kalamazoo, MI Store: Bookbug Kalamazoo Educational Plans: “To succeed in a career connecting people, information and technology in ways that advance social justice, open access, civic engagement and humanistic fellowship.”

 

Katherine Dvorak, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Major: Human Physiology City: Ames, IA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan to graduate from the University of Iowa in May 2015 and then go on to medical school. I’m currently very interested in cardiovascular physiology.”

 

Sarah Dvorak, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Iowa State University, Ames, IA Major: Accounting City: Ames, IA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan to double major in accounting and marketing. I would like to get a full-time position in either accounting or marketing in the Ames area & possibly continue my education to receive a master’s degree.”

 

Amanda Hill, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Georgia, Athens, GA Major: Nursing City: Athens, GA Store: The Carpenter’s Shop Educational Plans: “I plan on majoring in nursing and possibly minoring in Spanish. I would love to be a pediatric nurse in a hospital environment.”

 

Danielle Hillman, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Akron, Akron, OH Major: AYA Integrated Mathematic City: Cuyahoga Falls, OH Store: Books-A-Million Educational Plans: “A goal of mine is to graduate college and get a teaching job. I also would love to go back to school to get a minor in science so I can teach high school math and/or science.”

       

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Valerie Horobik, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: San Jose State University, San Jose, CA Major: Library Science City: Cincinnati, OH Store: Barnes and Noble Educational Plans: “I can’t wait to be able to combine my love for books and information with my passion for teaching/helping people when I complete this degree and become either a public or academic librarian!”

 

Charlotte Huber, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA Major: Music City: Fern Park, FL Store: BrightLight Books Educational Plans: “I will be majoring in music alongside a Psychology minor in the hopes of being a Music Therapist. I plan to work with all ages and any kinds of special needs as well.”

 

Lane Jacobson, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Major: English and Anthropology City: Chapel Hill, NC Store: Flyleaf Books Educational Plans: “I would like to remain involved with the book industry, whether it is through publishing or owning a bookstore. Either way, I’m excited to stay involved and remain passionate about books.”

 

Denise Kaanapu, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: United Education Institute, San Diego, CA Major: MBIC City: Eureka, CA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I am a four year cancer survivor and attending UEI college. I want to complete my studies and get a career in medical billing, and later get more education and a higher certification.”

 

Lara Kunnapas, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Georgia, Athens, GA Major: Accounting City: Smyrna, GA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan on earning my MACC at U of A and then sitting for the CPA exam hopefully while also working for an accounting practice.”

       

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Julie Lawler-Hoyle, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, MI Major: Law City: Ann Arbor, MI Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “My goal is to practice law in a small firm that would provide a “one stop shop” with legal resources for the financial, medical/disability, & housing & home ownership issues faced by families impacted by a catastrophic medical event.”

 

Caleb Leedy, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA Major: Economics City: Fern Park, FL Store: BrightLight Books Educational Plans: “I plan to major in Economics and Mathematics at Grinnell College. With this degree I hope to earn a Ph.D. in Economics with which I can assist others as a consultant or analyst.”

 

Deborah Leedy, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT Major: French City: Fern Park, FL Store: BrightLight Books Educational Plans: “My primary educational goal is to be fluent in French. Therefore, I plan on majoring in French at Middlebury College and studying abroad in France.”

 

Abigail Lisa, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA Major: Government City: York, PA Store: Books-A-Million Educational Plans: “After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Government, I hope to attend law school and focus on constitutional law. In the future, I plan to defend human rights as a lawyer.”

 

Amanda Lopez, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL Major: Theater City: LaGrange, IL Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan to finish my major in theatre and pursue a Master’s degree in library science. I currently work in a library and I would love to one day be a children’s librarian.”

       

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Amanda Macleod, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI Major: Music Education City: Ann Arbor, MI Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I hope to graduate with a degree in Music Education and purse a career as a Middle School or HS Band director.”

 

Anna McDade, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Cleveland State Community College, Cleveland, TN Major: Pre-Med City: Cleveland, TN Store: Books-A-Million Educational Plans: “I would love to work as a Pathologist and continue to learn about Biology and the work around us, and use that knowledge to help make the world a little better.”

 

John McFarland, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN Major: Graphic Design City: Mt. Juliet, TN Store: Books-A-Million Educational Plans: “I plan on working on my master’s in graphic design after my BFA, working my way up to an Art Director and eventually teaching at the university level.”

 

Merrill Mechler-Hickson, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Wisconsin-Madison Major: Public Affairs City: Milwaukee, WI Store: Boswell Book Company Educational Plans: “I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the La Follette School at UW-Madison with the goal of working in the field of public policy analysis for either a government or non-profit agency.”

 

Marika Middelkoop, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: SUNY College of Technology at Alfred, Alfred, NY Major: Financial Planning City: Cooperstown, NY Store: Farmer’s Museum/Fennimore Art Educational Plans: “I plan to attend Alfred State for a Financial Planning degree. I have a passion for music and drama.”

       

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Klare Nevins, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY Major: Anthropology City: Warner, NH Store: MainStreet BookEnds Educational Plans: “I am majoring in Anthropology and African studies, with minors in Biology and Outdoors Studies. With this degree, I want to go into the public health field and hopefully end up becoming a nurse – midwife.”

 

Susanna Oswell, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT Major: Nursing City: Bozeman, MT Store: MSU Bookstore, Inc. Educational Plans: “I hope to get my RN and then from there become a midwife, serving on the missions field or wherever God leads me.”

 

Carrianne Peterson, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT Major: Nursing City: Bozeman, MT Store: MSU Bookstore, Inc. Educational Plans: “I plan to become a registered nurse, with a bachelor’s of science in nursing.”

 

Serena Porter, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Idaho, Moscow, ID Major: Biochemistry and Biology City: Post Falls, ID Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan to major in Biochemistry and Biology while obtaining a minor in Mathematics. I plan to go to medical school at the University of Washington to become a Pediatric MD.”

 

Rachel Rattenborg, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA Major: Art History City: Decorah, IA Store: Dragonfly Books Educational Plans: “I plan on graduating with a degree in Art History and using that to climb the ladder of the museum world. One day I hope to open my own gallery.”

       

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Autumn Reynolds, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI Major: Mechanical Engineering City: Ann Arbor, MI Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering and begin my career of being a design engineer for automotives. I plan on bringing sleek, modern and unique car designs to the world.”

 

Meghan Roegge, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Hamline University, St. Paul, MN Major: Education City: Hudson, WI Store: Chapter 2 Books Educational Plans: “I am currently working to receive my Master’s Degree in Teaching so that I may further my teaching career and be the best I can be for my students.”

 

Rachel Roepke, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Texas, Austin, TX Major: English City: Charlotte, NC Store: Park Road Books Educational Plans: “After I finish my doctorate at UT Austin, I plan on continuing my research and teaching at another institution. I intend to research adolescence in medieval literature.”

 

Molly Rott, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI Major: Spanish/Biology City: Beverly Hills, MI Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I plan to apply to PA school at the end of my undergrad. Volunteering has always been a passion and I can’t wait to use Biology when practicing medicine.”

 

Rachel Sargent, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Maryland: University College, College Park, MD Major: Anthropology/Japanese City: Towson, MD Store: Ukazoo Books Educational Plans: “I intend to pursue a Master’s in Japanese and possibly pursue a Ph.D. in Anthropology. I would like to use these two fields to promote a better understanding of subcultures that strengthen society as a whole.”

       

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James Schildknecht, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Boise State University, Boise, ID Major: Education City: Boise, ID Store: Rediscovered Bookshop Educational Plans: “Hope to teach in a general-ed Elementary classroom using my science and math background along with my love of literature to inspire students, instill a love of learning, and foster compassion, curiosity, and creativity in children.”

 

Rebecca Schillenback, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Colgate Rochester Divinity School – Bexley Crozer Theological Major: Divinity City: Freeville, NY Store: Phoenix Used and Rare Books Educational Plans: “My goal is to work as a spiritual care provider in a hospice setting and continue my work in the same vein as a professional celebrant of funerals.”

 

Jes Scribner, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI Major: Graphic Design City: Mystic, CT Store: Bank Square Books Educational Plans: “I hope to use the education in Graphic Design to further and improve my involvement with publicity and events at Bank Square Books and maybe go on to design book jackets in the future.”

 

Charles Shotton, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC Major: Communications City: Duck, NC Store: Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Book Educational Plans: “Aspiring towards a major in Communications and International Studies I look to one day publish my experiences for others to enjoy.”

 

Rasha Soliman, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Bauman College, Penngrove, CA Major: Nutrition Consulting City: Pasadena, CA Store: Vroman’s Bookstore Educational Plans: “My hope is not only to teach others how to make better decisions about what they eat, but also to inspire and encourage them to lead happier, healthier lives.”

       

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Laura Swanson, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM Major: Undecided City: Albuquerque, NM Store: Bookworks Educational Plans: “I plan to explore different areas of study at UNM before deciding my major such as linguistics, sociology and anthropology. I plan to work with people in a progressive field.”

 

Wendy Tyree, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA Major: Chemistry City: San Diego, CA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I am pursuing a Medical Doctorate, with a specialization in neurology and a Masters in Divinity, focusing on Unitarian Universalist principles. I hope to improve healing at the individual and community levels.”

 

Timothy Webberson, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Music Industry City: Mansfield, MA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “My career goals are to open my own recording studio in Los Angeles following graduation. My favorite book is the Kite Runner.”

 

Julie Wilde, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Cedar Valley College, Lancaster, TX Major: Veterinary Technology City: Forth Worth, TX Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “Graduating with my degree next Spring is step 1 of 3, followed by the TX state License Exam and the VTNE (Vet. Tech. National Exam), toward achieving my goal of LVT status.”

 

Shay Workman, Recipient of a $3,500 Binc Scholarship Award School: Washington State University, Pullman, WA Major: Environmental Science City: Kelso, WA Store: Former Borders Employee Educational Plans: “I will continue to earn my Master’s degree and focus on Watershed Management. I would aim to maintain and improve the watershed to promote healthy water and ecosystems for humans, plants, and animals.”