Two days after her 35th birthday, Abbey Hammer’s life derailed.
“I just worked a 14-hour shift, and I fell asleep at the wheel,” says Hammer, describing the 2019 car accident that caused several broken bones, including her sternum. “I was very lucky to survive.”
Determined not just to survive but to thrive, she enrolled at Wilmington University and earned a College of Technology scholarship.
“It meant a lot to me because I felt like I had lost so much, and it was an opportunity to start building my life back,” says Hammer, who already held a bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State. “I lost my dreams, so it really helped me build new dreams.”
She graduated from WilmU summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Web Design and chose to continue at the University for a master’s degree in Digital Communication.
“Every donation big or small can be life-changing when it’s put into a university like Wilmington (University) that has such dedication to their students,” Hammer says. “I’m on a new path now, and I’m very thankful for that.”
College Scholarships Change Lives
Wilmington University is committed to helping people achieve their higher education goals, awarding scholarships that benefit students based on merit, financial need and other criteria.
“Our donors help us to impact more lives and make a difference,” says Felicia Quinn, WilmU’s director of development. “Often we see the scholarships really allow for students to increase their course load and complete their degree faster,” which “leads to a new job or career elevation for many students as well.”
Admitted students can apply for fall-term scholarships through June 1. They include the Future of Nursing Excellence Scholarship, the Phi Theta Kappa Recognition Scholarship and several more.
“Take that leap of faith and apply because you never know,” says Guidance Gunundu, a scholarship recipient and international student from Zimbabwe.
After completing his WilmU bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, with a 3.97 GPA, he merited a scholarship for his master’s degree in Information Systems Technologies.
“For me, it was a matter of going back home or staying in America and fighting for my dream. It changed my whole trajectory,” says Gunundu, who hopes to work in Silicon Valley and then start his own cybersecurity solutions company. “I was given the confidence. I was encouraged to continue following my dream.”
Gianni Magazzu feels the same way. After achieving his associate degree at Camden County College, he selected Wilmington University for his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and received a scholarship.
“I was speechless when I got it,” says Magazzu, who shared he was “born drug-addicted” and adopted by his foster parents. “They are great people, and they shaped me into the person I am today.”
A part-time job at a public works department sparked his interest in management, which he plans to pursue when he graduates from WilmU.
“Anyone can get an education. Anyone can get past a rough patch in their life,” Magazzu says. “Wilmington University — they took a gamble on me, and I’m going to make it pay off for them.”
The generosity of donors allows WilmU students to pursue their dreams. Explore Ways to Give to learn how you can invest in the education and future of deserving Wildcats.