Meet Our Scholarship Recipients.

Jessie Gibson

A former foster child who overcame cancer, Jessie defies the odds to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at WSU, fueled by her determination to be a voice for the silenced.

  • In the sprawling landscape of foster care, Jessie Gibson's childhood was a nomadic one, characterized by a constant shuffle between different homes. "Everywhere," she answers when asked where she grew up. Placed in foster care at the age of five due to her unsafe household, Jessie's journey began with a tumultuous start. After residing at a local shelter for at-risk children, Jessie eventually found herself under the care of a foster family that would become her sanctuary. This family, a bustling household of 14 children, fostered an environment of love and support, where each child, whether biological or fostered, was cared for and nurtured.

    Yet, just as she began to find her footing, life threw another curveball her way. At seven years old, Jessie was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, plunging her into a battle for her life. Through surgeries and grueling treatments, her foster family stood by her side, until she was rehomed yet again. Finally, when Jessie was 12 years old, after her cancer had progressed to Stage 4, she reached complete remission, seemingly a miracle.

    Despite the odds stacked against her, Jessie refused to let her circumstances define her. High school presented its own set of challenges, but Jessie refused to succumb to the notion that college was beyond her reach. Her eyes set on Weber State University, she applied with a determination fueled by a desire to defy the odds stacked against her. "I wanted to get an education almost out of spite," she admits with a hint of defiance in her voice. "I wanted to prove I could."

    The scholarship offered by the Ogden Foster Scholarship Program was the beacon of hope Jessie needed. It wasn't just financial assistance; it was a lifeline. Ogden Foster Scholarship Program provided support that allowed her to pursue her dreams without the burden of financial constraints and helped her to navigate Weber State. "I wouldn't have even come to college if I didn't have this support," she acknowledges. Now, in her second semester of college, Jessie has no plans to quit.

    Jessie continues to navigate her academic journey at Weber State and has her sights set on obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Jessie wants to make a difference, to be a voice for those who have been silenced by adversity. "I hope people can relate to my story and

Moises Moran

Despite the instability and hardships he faced as a child, Moises demonstrates resiliency, earning a Bachelor's in Social Work at WSU and ready to uplift others with his mantra: "Keep pushing forward."

  • By the time Moises was five years old, he had experienced a lifetime of hardships. At this young age, Moises had already suffered the loss of his mother and deportation of his father, leaving him in a new place with little support. The support he did have was less than sufficient, and came to an abrupt halt when he was abandoned by his guardian. Left alone at an amusement park for nearby neighbors to notice and report to police, Moises found himself abruptly placed into foster care, a system he would endure until he turned 18 years old.

    At 18 years old, Moises found himself navigating the challenges of adulthood all on his own. The path to higher education seemed fraught with obstacles, overshadowed by the demands of working grueling jobs just to make ends meet. College was a distant dream, an unattainable luxury in the face of immediate financial responsibilities.

    This only changed when Moises found an incredible support system through a high school friend, Hallie. Hallie and her mother, Michelle, recognized Moises's potential and took the initiative to apply him for Weber State University. For Moises, this was a chance to break free from the cycle of hardship and forge a brighter future through hard work and determination.

    Moises continued to work full-time throughout his studies, a relentless struggle that persisted until he discovered the Ogden Foster Scholarship Program. The scholarship program proved to be nothing short of transformative, offering him a lifeline in his pursuit of higher education. Without the constant worry of overwhelming debt, he found himself able to breathe easier, “It gave me peace of mind” he reflects, finally liberated of the financial burdens that had weighed him down for so long.

    Now, Moises is mere months away from graduating from Weber State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and has already been accepted into a Master’s program. With a profound sense of purpose, he envisions himself playing a pivotal role in empowering disadvantaged and vulnerable youth, particularly those transitioning out of foster care, and offering guidance and support to young men facing similar challenges.

    In reflecting on his journey, Moises imparts a valuable lesson: "You can't drive your car looking through your rear-view mirror. Keep pushing forward." It's a mantra that encapsulates his unwavering determination to overcome adversity and inspire others to do the same.

Maddisun Warren

Determined to break the cycle, Maddisun pursues a degree in WSU’s Crime Scene Investigation Program. She is driven by her compassion and her desire to help others.

  • Maddisun’s childhood was marked by instability and uncertainty. A witness to her parents' substance abuse, Maddisun and her younger brother found themselves in foster care, Maddisun only five years old. This marked the beginning of their seemingly never-ending cycle in and out of the foster care system.

    Maddisun vividly recalls her first day of kindergarten. Despite her grandmother's presence, she couldn’t help but wonder why her parents weren’t there. Throughout grade school, she continued to navigate the complexities of foster care and unsuccessful reunifications with her parents.

    As a teenager, Maddisun made a pivotal decision. “I didn’t want to be another statistic,” she recalls. With this determination in mind, she embarked on her educational journey full force, driven not only by the necessity to provide for herself but also by her profound desire to help others. Understanding the importance of being a diligent first responder, she interned for a fire department and police department before eventually obtaining her Emergency Medical Technician License and pursuing work as an emergency room EMT for Holy Cross Hospital.

    Although Maddisun knew she wanted to attend Weber State University, her financial responsibilities and subsequent struggles held her back. She explains, “Actually wanting to go to college and being able to afford college are two totally different things.” That was until she discovered the Ogden Foster Scholarship program. The financial assistance allowed her to attend college, she says, “Without this program, I would not be here.” With the support of the Ogden Foster Scholarship Program, Maddisun is now able to continue to pursue her dreams of being a first responder, as her desire to be the voice for those in need has never wavered. Now, with her sights set on Crime Scene Investigation, Maddisun hopes to tell others that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She urges others, “Remember what motivates you, do it for you.”

Ogden Foster Scholars Recognized by Weber State University

Steffine Amodt

Pictured with WSU President Brad Mortensen, Steffine was honored the 2024 Ivory Award. She demonstrates an incredible passion for helping underprivileged populations and her community as a whole.

Read More Here: WSU professor honored for positive impacts on campus, community (weber.edu)

Raquel Andreasen

Featured as a Spotlight Student for WSU’s Ever Upward Campaign, Raquel’s story is a powerful one.

Read More Here: Raquel Andreasen (weber.edu)

Skip to Videos