OSU Institute of Technology student Tricia Bear has been named a recipient of the 2020 Women for OSU Scholarship.

Women for OSU is an organization within the OSU Foundation that celebrates members of the OSU family who display leadership in philanthropy by awarding scholarships to outstanding OSU system students.

Bear, from Henryetta, is currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at OSUIT. She served in the United States military for 21 years and currently volunteers as a Veteran Service Officer for the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 539. There she helps to advise and educate individuals on the different resources that are available to them. Bear is also an ambassador for Mission 22, a non-profit organization fighting in the war against veteran suicide and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

She is determined to make a difference in the lives of others, all while pursuing her education. On campus, she volunteers at Pete’s Pantry and works the OSUIT Culinary Arts events.

“Receiving this scholarship makes me feel appreciated for the many hours that I volunteer to help people,” said Bear. “Philanthropy is essential because a simple act of giving of your time and assistance creates an endless ripple effect of giving back and promoting the American spirit.”

This scholarship will help Bear finish her degree at OSUIT. She chose the Culinary Arts program to expand her creativity and teach her nieces how to cook. She  highly recommends the Culinary Arts program to anyone thinking about becoming a culinarian.

“The program provides extensive hands-on experience and guidance from chefs who care about your success,” said Bear.

After graduating from OSUIT, Bear plans to continue her education and pursue a bachelor’s in Business Management, which will help her one day open and manage a gourmet restaurant.

Bear also plans to write a book about her life and military service to compliment the song “March on Soldiers” that she wrote to encourage all soldiers never to give up hope. Bear’s poetry and songs, published in three poetry books, can be viewed on her website theamericansoldier.org.