William “Bill” Blankenship of Blue Hill, Nebraska, has provided a generous gift to the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Education.
Blankenship, himself, a 1970 SWOSU Department of Education graduate, has endowed the William P. Blankenship Scholarship to assist SWOSU students who will pursue a career in education.
Blankenship came to SWOSU from his hometown of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. After graduating, he moved with his late wife, Connie, to Smith Center, Kansas. In Smith Center, he was a classroom teacher for five and a half years and finished his career as a high school counselor for 26 years.
“I think education is the backbone of our country. It is a noble profession,” said Blankenship when asked about his scholarship gift. “Now there is a shortage of teachers. People who become teachers don’t do it for the money but for the children. Students are our greatest resource.”
The William P. Blankenship Scholarship Fund is stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships, and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information about the Blankenship Scholarship Fund or any SWOSU Foundation funds, please contact 580-774-3267 or visit www. SWOSUFoundation.com.
Jaysa Slagell, left, and Korbin Smith Investigate Newton’s Laws with a balloon powered car in physics class.
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