Anner-Hughes Opportunity Endowed Scholarship
Bobby Anner-Hughes grew up in North Dakota and was the first college graduate in her family. She received a degree from Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings) in 1980. She credits her parents’ sacrifices as the main reason she had the opportunity to receive a college degree. Ed Hughes grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was the first college graduate in his family. He also credits his parents’ sacrifices for his opportunity to attend college. Neither Bobby nor Ed’s fathers finished high school. Both their mothers did, but did not have the opportunity to attend college. The sacrifices of Bobby and Ed’s parents not only allowed Bobby and Ed the finances to attend college, they also provided the necessary encouragement to finish college. Bobby and Ed are now proud to say both their children are college graduates as well. Needless to say, their children have some very proud grandparents. In 2011, Bobby and Ed established the Anner-Hughes Opportunity Scholarship Endowment to provide financial assistance to future MSU Billings students who will be the first person in their family to graduate from college. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2013-2014.
Impact
“As a recently widowed mother of four children, I knew that I needed to further my education, but I was not sure how I would financially do it. I have been extremely fortunate to receive financial assistance through government loans and grants. Your scholarship will enable me to take out fewer loans. Given that my first child is heading to college next year, this is a huge relief!” – Sara S., Nursing major