BGSU student is only in Ohio, third consecutive in University history honored as a Voyager Scholarship recipient

Ryan Lothamer will use his scholarship to expand access to science education in underserved communities

By Branden Ferguson

For the third consecutive year, a Bowling Green State University student has been selected as a Voyager Scholarship recipient, a prestigious nationwide honor that exemplifies the University’s commitment to supporting students in their pursuit of creating public good on campus and beyond. 

Ryan Lothamer, a junior science education major, is the only student in Ohio – and among 100 nationwide – selected for the scholarship which recognizes those who plan to pursue careers in public service. Lothamer's selection also makes BGSU the only university in Ohio with a scholar in each cohort since the program's inception.

Embracing comprehensive opportunities at BGSU, Lothamer has used his education to get involved and give back, seeking to expand access to science learning for students in underserved and underrepresented communities.

The Defiance, Ohio, native even pitched the concept, known as The Spark Foundation, as part of The Hatch, an immersive 10-week program open to all BGSU majors through the Schmidthorst College of Business that takes entrepreneurial ideas from vision to reality. Since then, his idea has received interest from several Ohio school districts.

“BGSU allowed an education major like me to take part in a business program and make real efforts to improve the community around me,” Lothamer said. “As a student, I feel supported and encouraged to try new things and make a difference. In my program, I am learning in a hands-on environment how to be a great teacher and make a difference in the lives of my future students."

For Lothamer, the opportunities didn’t stop at The Hatch. He also got involved in the BGSU PAWS therapy dog team, volunteered with the American Red Cross and Ronald McDonald House and even started a radio show with students from across the country.

“After transferring to BGSU from a community college, I began making up for lost time,” he said. “I found myself getting involved in everything. All those opportunities stem from BGSU taking a chance on me. Those opportunities to get involved, give back and take on leadership roles led to me becoming a Voyager.”

While shocked and excited to be named a Voyager Scholarship recipient himself, the announcement came as no surprise to Dr. Lena Duran, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and advisor to BGSU science education majors.

"I met with Ryan when he was getting ready to make his Hatch proposal," Duran said. "He is so driven, caring and passionate about teaching, and his work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond is nothing short of amazing. I remember thinking, 'Wow, he is going to make a real difference as a teacher and as a member of his community.'"

Lothamer's efforts have had a rippling effect in the college, serving as an example of what can be accomplished with hard work, compassion and BGSU support.

"He's inspiring everyone in the college," Duran said. "As faculty, we are inspired by his story, his passion for teaching and his appreciation for the support he has received. Students look to him and his success as something to strive for and model their own efforts after."

The Voyager Scholarship for Public Service was created by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, to shape leaders in public service. This year's cohort includes scholars from 35 states and territories, representing 60 colleges and universities.

At BGSU, Lothamer joins 2023 recipient Elyse Adrian and 2022 recipient Kaylee Ann Ries as a fellow Voyager.

The two-year scholarship program provides scholars with up to $50,000 in financial aid, helping to reduce the cost of college and allowing students to focus on and pursue careers in public service. As part of the program, scholars also receive a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior years.

Lothamer plans to design his own summer voyage to discover new communities and experiences in science education. The opportunities and experiences that await him are drastically different from the instances outside of BGSU that he said could have delayed his education and journey to become a teacher.

"I was looking at different ways to make and save money, including putting a pause on my education, but all of those would have prevented me from getting the experiences I had at BGSU," Lothamer said. "Without those experiences and leadership opportunities, I don’t think I would be a Voyager.”

Entering his final two years at BGSU, Lothamer is looking forward to his summer voyage and inspiring students to realize their full potential knowing that they have people supporting them.

“The support from my teachers helped me get to where I am today," Lothamer said. "Their encouragement allowed me to get into college and eventually to BGSU, which has provided me with the resources and opportunities to grow into the person I have become. I look forward to traveling and talking to students all over the world and sharing my story and words of encouragement.”