Tyler Slagle to Pursue Business Degree
William T. “Tyler” Slagle, 17, of Faulkner is the recipient of the 2016-17 Charles County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship established with the College of Southern Maryland Foundation. Slagle will attend CSM to pursue studies in business administration.
The 2016 Maurice J. McDonough High School graduate said he is honored to receive the scholarship from the chamber of commerce. The presentation was made at the chamber's July mixer in White Plains. Slagle is the son of Jeff Slagle and Kelly Robertson-Slagle, who accompanied him to the event.
“I'm excited to start the next phase of my life by attending the College of Southern Maryland and working toward an associate degree in business administration,” Slagle said at the chamber event. “I ultimately hope to continue my education at Christopher Newport University and obtain a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting.”
He said he is grateful for the opportunities that the scholarship will provide him.
“Without a doubt, this scholarship will play a key role in achieving my educational goals. Because of your organization's generosity, the financial burden placed on me to pursue my education will be reduced,” he told the chamber members in attendance. “That means I can spend more time on my studies, research and extracurricular activities and less time worrying about my finances. Thank you for your investment in the College of Southern Maryland and the futures of students like me.”
In high school, the honor roll student said he took several business- and math-related classes to help him prepare for a career in business. He also was a member of the varsity golf and baseball teams.
The $1,000 scholarship is given by the chamber through the CSM Foundation to a Charles County resident, who is majoring in business. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants also must write a 100-word essay describing how they believe the Charles County Chamber of Commerce can positively impact the community.
“This is the fifth year that the chamber has awarded a scholarship to a CSM student as part of our annual golf tournament. It was started by Matt Martin and Craig Renner, both of whom are with The St. Charles Companies,” said Billie Stachura, chair of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and owner of BES & Associates Insurance Agency.
The scholarship is funded by sponsors from the business community who are also participants in the chamber's tournament, she said.
“We hope that the recipients will one day be outstanding business people — and that, perhaps, they will be future leaders of the Charles County chamber. This year's recipient, Tyler Slagle, has not only been an excellent student, but he also happened to be a member of the McDonough High School golf team. We've always been proud of the recipients and very glad to be of assistance to them as they pursue their dreams,” Stachura said.
“Scholarships are a key component of CSM's efforts to help students succeed,” said CSM Development Director Chelsea Brown. A scholarship can be established as an annual scholarship or an endowed scholarship with the CSM Foundation by individuals, organizations, businesses and families.
The CSM Foundation manages more than 100 scholarships that provide assistance for merit and for students in need. During the past five years, the foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships. Scholarship categories include nursing, business, child care, criminal justice, communication, fine arts, engineering hospitality, social science, teacher education, nuclear engineering technology and general studies. In addition, students can apply for scholarships geared toward cancer survivors, adults returning to college and veterans as well as for non-credit trades and continuing education programs. Information on the CSM Foundation can be found at foundation.csmd.edu.
Those interested in learning more about giving opportunities or establishing a scholarship should call Brown at 301-934-7649.