Alumna Beth Ruehl reflects on impact of Alumni Association scholarship program

Over the years, the Alumni Association has awarded hundreds of scholarships to deserving University of Louisiana at Lafayette students through its scholarship program. This year, $200,000 was awarded to 91 outstanding students. Beth Ruehl '18, a past recipient, knows first-hand the impact that receiving this scholarship can have. 

 

Ruehl initially attended the University to pursue a degree in exercise science with a plan to eventually become a certified prosthetist and orthotist. As an amputee herself, she grew up surrounded by healthcare providers who guided her through her journey with a prosthetic limb. "They became my second family. I loved that they followed me through healthcare for my entire life. I just wanted to be that for other people like me," Ruehl said. 

As she neared the end of her time as an undergraduate student, she began looking for additional scholarships to help her reach the finish line to graduation. "I was researching all types of scholarships that UL Lafayette had to offer and discovered the ones through the Alumni Association," Ruehl said. She was beginning to research future graduate schools and knew that this scholarship could help relieve some of the financial burden that came with applying.

 

When she found out that she was one of the chosen recipients, it changed the trajectory of her future. "I felt very honored to be awarded the Alumni Association scholarship. Having the extra finances gave me a nice cushion to help me move forward in my career," Ruehl said. She was able to successfully apply to graduate school and finish out her senior year of college smoothly — all thanks to the support she received from her professors, mentors and the Alumni Association.

 

Ruehl is now fulfilling her lifelong dream of working as a certified prosthetist and orthotist in Mobile, Alabama. In her daily work, she consults with patients who may be considering having an amputee surgery, performs fittings for prosthetic limbs, and provides guidance for others as they embark on this new road ahead. Ultimately, she's grateful that she can offer the same quality care to her patients that she was given throughout her healthcare journey.

 

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette truly shaped Ruehl into the person and professional that she is today. "It was the best four years of my life. It was a school that truly cared about my education and my future," Ruehl said. 

 

Now, as an alumna, she also recognizes the importance of giving back to the Alumni Association so that initiatives like the scholarship program can continue to flourish. "If you're able to give back, I think that's great and really important. There are so many students who could use that extra help," Ruehl added. 

 

The Alumni Association's scholarship program would not be possible without the support of donors, alumni and friends. If you're interested in giving back, consider purchasing a UL Lafayette specialty license plate. A portion of all Louisiana license plate proceeds benefit Alumni Association scholarships. With your support, the Alumni Association can continue to make a difference in the lives of current and future UL Lafayette students for years to come.

 

 

Photo Captions: Main Photo: Beth Ruehl poses in front of the Louisiana Wall ahead of commencement (Submitted) In-Story: Beth with a patient (Submitted)