When Karissa Patton crosses the stage at convocation this spring, she will do so knowing faculty and staff at the University of Lethbridge have supported her.

Originally from Calgary, Patton came to the U of L in 2009 with the intention of majoring in history and later entering the education program. After taking three applied studies conducting archival research, Patton changed paths.

"I loved the hands-on research and I realized history was my passion," recalls Patton. "I wanted to continue doing research."

Over the course of her history degree, Patton has worked with both the U of L Archives and Galt Museum & Archives. She has researched numerous local stories and events, written biographies to accompany oral histories, created a museum display at the Galt Museum and recently defended her honours thesis.

Karissa Patton has made the most of her scholarship opportunities.

Patton's hard work has not gone unnoticed. She has received two Board of Governors' Scholarships, the Students' Union Scholarship and the Chinook Summer Research Award.

"These scholarships have meant so much to me. It is so encouraging to have that kind of recognition," she says.

Patton has a unique perspective on student awards after working at the U of L Call Centre, where students connect with alumni to help raise financial support for the University.

"At the call centre, I learned that without donors, students like me wouldn't have a lot of the resources we depend on – including scholarships," she explains.

Among those donors are U of L faculty and staff. Through the Supporting Our Students (SOS) campaign, faculty and staff have the opportunity to contribute to scholarships and bursaries for students.

As a history major, Patton is particularly proud of the fact the history department has 100 per cent participation in SOS.

"It really makes me feel as though my professors genuinely value both the history discipline and my education," she emphasizes.

As Patton wraps up her undergraduate degree and prepares to begin her graduate studies at the U of L this fall, she hopes faculty and staff will continue to help students succeed through SOS.

"I am so proud of what I accomplished during my time as an undergraduate at the U of L. I am so grateful for the scholarships and the generous donors who helped make it all possible," she says.

For more information on SOS or to make your gift today, please visit www.uleth.ca/giving.

This story first appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.