Growing up, 2021 Stoney Creek High School graduate Eden Wiik dreamt her passion for the arts would develop into a fulfilling lifelong career. This fall, thanks to the generosity of Patrick “Pat” and Christie Scoggin, Wiik will begin her educational journey at Oakland University with art at the forefront of her studies.
Eden is the tenth recipient of the Patrick and Christie Scoggin Foundation Scholarship. This important milestone is a testament to Pat Scoggin and his longstanding commitment to supporting students in the community. Pat passed away on December 1, 2020 at the age of 58, after a three-year battle with cancer. He is remembered fondly by the university and surrounding community as a goodhearted man who spent his lifetime helping others.
Providing a way for local students to pursue their educational dreams was a special passion for Pat. His wife, Christie, a former teacher, is dedicated to continuing the legacy they built together by making scholarships available to new students like Eden. Eden joins a community of Scoggin scholars, two of whom graduated in the spring. Others are well on their way to established careers at this point and some are still completing their degree programs.
Scholarships have been awarded annually to Oakland University incoming freshmen from one of four area high schools: Avondale, Adams, Rochester and Stoney Creek. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
The full-tuition scholarship is renewable for an additional three years for students who continue to demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time credit hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Eden is grateful to the Scoggins for investing in her education and allowing her the financial freedom to pursue a career as a studio artist or art teacher. “Art in many forms has been a passion for me all of my life,” says Eden. “Art brings people together. It’s something they can share and talk about, and it inspires people young and old to do more creative endeavors. If I could only do one thing with my life, it would be to inspire people through art.”
The Scoggins have taken an active interest in the recipients of their scholarship throughout the years and have always been first in line to applaud the successes of these students. When students asked how they could thank the couple for their kindness, Pat’s response never varied. He would tell the scholars the best way to ever thank them was to pay it forward and help someone out when they have the opportunity.
Oakland University is committed to unlocking the potential of individuals and impacting the world through the transformative power of education. Partner with us to provide a bright future for students. Learn more at oakland.edu/giving.
June 18, 2021
By Catherine Ticer
