Meet scholarship recipient Mike Reilly

Meet scholarship recipient Mike Reilly

Hometown: Dover, Ohio

Major: Integrated Math Education

Scholarships : Administrative Staff Scholarship, Kathy Hawk Nicosia Leadership Award, Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship, Humphrey Fong Distinguished Undergraduate in Math Education, Bernhard Wentz Scholarship, Metal Service Center Institute Scholarship, Robert and Idell Shelton Teacher Education Grant Scholarship, BGSU Centennial Scholarship

Thanks to scholarships, student loan debt won't limit Mike Reilly after graduation. He expects to graduate in May, 2014 with a bachelor's degree and debt less than $20,000.

With all four of his older siblings in college ahead of him, Reilly accepted the financial responsibility of paying for his own education. That meant applying for every scholarship he found, and committing as much as 20 hours a week during spring semester preparing applications and gathering recommendation letters. Luckily, it paid off. This year, several scholarships will completely pay his tuition, and an on-campus job funds his room and board.

"Having to apply for these scholarships makes me a better individual, and makes me manage money a little better," he said. "I apply for (scholarships) even if I think I don't qualify, because if you don't apply, you don't get it."

Reilly is grateful that the majority of his education has been funded through the generosity of donors. He enjoys the time and financial freedom to explore various career options as well as additional educational opportunities such as Peace Corps or master's programs.

Why BGSU?
"I talk a lot about the opportunities that BGSU can provide: opportunities for you to learn, of course, but also opportunities for adventure, like study abroad or GeoJourney or the outdoor program's weekend trips across Ohio and Michigan."

How do you spend your time out of class?
"I was a resident advisor last year, but now I'm involved in other ways. I'm in a service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. I was a dancer for two years for Dance Marathon and now I'm serving on the core committee. I'm also part of Vanguard Men's Organization, which is basically a bunch of college guys trying to become better men. We talk about masculinity, etiquette, how to lead authentically and just life lessons in general."

Advice for first-year BGSU students?
He encourages first-year students at BGSU to get involved in campus activities, service programs and academic resources on campus. "You just become a better person by coming to the school here. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help out," Reilly said. "I'm always looking for ways to make myself more well-rounded while helping people out at the same time."