MassBay STEM Student Receives Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
781-239-2636
ecooper@massbay.edu

MassBay Community College STEM student, Angel Fox was recently awarded the Oberndorf Lifeline to Complete Scholarship, Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley, MA, October 2023. (Photo/Angel Fox)

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (November 28, 2023) — MassBay Community College Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) student Angel Fox of Worcester, MA, has been named an Oberndorf Scholar by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has received a $1,500 scholarship. The Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship helps students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa overcome unanticipated financial barriers preventing the completion of their first college credential, associate degree, or certificate. Up to 15 Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarships are awarded annually .

“We applaud Angel’s determination to overcome personal obstacles to pursue her educational goals, with the eventual goal of helping others who also suffer from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome,” said MassBay President David Podell. “The dedication of our students, like Angel, is unmatched, and we know scholarships like this provide critical support that helps ensure our dedicated students achieve their academic goals.”

Fox was selected for this scholarship after writing an essay about overcoming her diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and returning to the classroom to become a scientist to understand her disease better and help others. She is now a passionate advocate, helping raise awareness of the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Society and the help they provide to patients. Fox came to MassBay in the spring of 2022, and has been named to the Dean’s List every semester. She was inducted into the National Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and is currently the President of the MassBay chapter. Later this year, Fox will also be inducted into the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society. Fox, who studies STEM at MassBay, is scheduled to graduate in December 2023 and transfer to a four-year university to continue her education in scientific data research .

“My life changed when I was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome,” said Fox. “I worked as a horticulturist, and my career was cut short by this diagnosis. I returned to school hoping to find a new career that would help me stay healthy and still contribute to my community. I am very excited to have assistance to achieve my goals in the field of science. I hope to work in research to make a difference in the lives of people with conditions like mine.”

The scholarship is named for its benefactors, Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf. Lou co-founded METI, a world leader in medical education technology whose products are used in many community colleges as well as in the world’s leading medical schools. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees .

“Without a doubt, the Oberndorf Scholarship has a tremendous impact on the lives of these hard-working, high-achieving students, making it possible for them to complete their associate degrees,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “We are grateful to the Oberndorf family for their commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!”

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. MassBay students receive an unmatched educational value by earning stackable credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready skills necessary to advance careers in high-demand fields such as health and life sciences, automotive technology, engineering, business, cybersecurity, and the humanities. MassBay’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs were both ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 2020-2021 by national nursing advocacy organizations RegisteredNursing.org, and PracticalNursing.org. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and remains firmly committed to its mission of meeting the needs of the diverse local communities it serves. We value the intrinsic worth of all individuals, collectively in pursuit of inclusiveness and prioritize our work towards achieving equity within our community and beyond.