Eleven Stanislaus State students who are visually impaired have each been awarded a $10,000 scholarship to support their academic journey. The scholarships are funded through the Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students, a long-standing program dedicated to expanding access to higher education across the California State University system.
Established by Dale M. Schoettler in 1991, the scholarship was created to support visually impaired students. Following the passing of Schoettler in 2001, the CSU received a bequest from his estate, allowing the program to benefit students at all 22 CSU campuses. Schoettler, a blind businessman from Mountain View, believed deeply in access to education as a pathway to professional opportunity.
Director of Disability Resource Services Marvin Williams shared that the recognition reflects student perseverance and potential.
“I think this is fantastic and a testament to how hard our students work,” Williams said. “While some may think college is not possible for visually impaired and blind students, we know otherwise. This scholarship helps these students make it when they wouldn’t otherwise.”
Disability Resource Services works to ensure students with disabilities have access to curriculum and campus resources, from accessible course materials to classroom support services.
“When students with disabilities are provided equitable access,” Williams added, “they, like all other students, can be the arbiters of their own success.”
