Scholarship reduced financial burden for math major

This is the second article in a series highlighting the impact of the Green Tie Gala, which raises money for scholarships at UNC Charlotte. Gala attendees get to choose which scholarship their donations will support. Click here to purchase tickets or learn more about the gala.

Like many middle class couples, Robert Bland’s parents sacrificed financially to provide for him and his two brothers. So, he knew they would not be able to fully pay for his education at UNC Charlotte.

“I certainly did know that I was going to need some assistance,” said Bland, a mathematics major from Midland, North Carolina.

While that assistance included student loans, last fall, Bland received the Betty M. Stancil Scholarship, which lowered his loan needs.

“It certainly made my semester more affordable,” Bland said. “I was able to reduce some of the loan amount that I received from the government, which means less to pay off in the future.”

The Betty M. Stancil Scholarship Endowment is one of the funds supported by the Green Tie Gala 2019: An Evening Under the Stars, hosted by the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association on Friday, April 5, at The Westin Charlotte. Join UNC Charlotte alumni and friends to support scholarships at the University. A portion of each gala ticket sold will benefit one of seven scholarship funds.

The Stancil Scholarship honors longtime UNC Charlotte employee Betty Stancil, who was a lifelong resident of Cabarrus County. The scholarship goes to undergraduate students who are Cabarrus or Mecklenburg county residents, show financial need and who have a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

UNC Charlotte is in need of more scholarships to meet the financial needs of its students. During the 2018-19 academic year, 18,503 students submitted more than 33,000 scholarship applications. The University awarded 1,203 merit and need-based scholarships, totaling $4,573,053.

Bland, who completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in December, is now studying for a master’s and Ph.D. as part of an early entry dual enrollment program. His goal is to become a math professor.

He said the support he received from the Stancil Scholarship, coupled with other aid he received and help from his parents, allowed him to pursue his education without having to worry as much about the cost. Bland added he hopes that such an “amazing” experience can be afforded to other UNC Charlotte students.

“I’m endlessly grateful,” Bland said