Bullard Earns John Wesley Raley Scholarship

May 20, 2020

Gage Bullard, rising senior at OBU, has been named the John Wesley Raley Scholar. The John Wesley Raley Scholar receives a scholarship from funds provided by the Fay Taylor Pierson Trust, part of which was designated to establish a memorial to Dr. John Wesley Raley, who served as University president from 1934 to 1961 and as University chancellor from 1961 to 1965.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a rising senior with a grade point average of at least 3.00 who plans to continue at OBU. Additional criteria which guide the selection committee's nomination to the university president include leadership, moral courage, self-determination and communicative skills.

Awards to outstanding seniors in all Colleges and Divisions are typically presented in a special awards chapel, which was not held this year due to the University’s move to distance learning. Instead, these students received a personal touch in their individual presentations.

Bullard is a secondary mathematics education major and is active on campus. He has appeared in productions by OBU Theatre, serves as an officer in the math club, and works as a mathematics mentor in the Student Success Center.

One nominator said of Bullard, “Gage is one of the most determined young men I've ever met. He is mature well beyond his years and is well-liked by peers, faculty and others.”

“Gage is a leader in the math department,” another nominator stated, noting his work as a grader, math club officer and in the Student Success Center. “His peers and more junior students alike turn to him for leadership in difficult classes, as well as for friendship. He sets an excellent example in work ethic and personal responsibility in all he does.”

A third nominator focused on his character.

“Gage stands for what is right - often quietly - not forcing others to agree with him, but leading by example. He inspires others to do better, to have positive attitudes and to enjoy the little things in life.”