Remembering her parents and grandparents, Utah State University alumna and donor Mary Ann McDonald Ebbeler (BSâ66, Medical Technology) recounts several stories of hardship and grit. Ebbelerâs grandmother, who lived in Willard, Utah, during the early 20th century, was determined to attend high school, but the nearest campus was in Brigham City.
That might not seem far â about eight miles or so â but the young scholar had only a bicycle for transportation and her father wouldnât allow his daughter to make the daily journey. She persisted, repeating eighth grade at least twice, and was eventually allowed to attend with her younger sister.
âNo matter what 2020 presents, you can still help someone else,â says Ebbeler, who was among featured speakers at the USU College of Scienceâs 2020 Fall Convocation held online Oct. 29. âWe can still âpay it forward,â and youâll inspire others with your story.â
In the run-up to Science Week 2020, the College of Science turned to Zoom to host its annual fall gathering, which honors student recipients of the collegeâs endowed scholarships, along with their donors.
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