BGSU student receives prestigious Voyager scholarship

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – A Bowling Green State University student was one of 100 students nationwide to receive the prestigious Voyager Scholarship, marking the third consecutive year a BGSU student has been selected as a recipient.

In a press release, BGSU announced that Ryan Lothamer will be awarded the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, a scholarship established by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Brian Cheskey, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb. The scholarship is designed to train leaders in public service, the university said.

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Lothamer is studying science at Defiance University and, among other things, has developed a program at BGSU to promote science education in underserved communities. The university's press release states that Lothamer's 10-week, intensive program has attracted interest from several school districts in Ohio.

According to BGSU, Lothamer also became involved with the university's therapy dog ​​team, volunteered with the American Red Cross and the Ronald McDonald House, and started a radio show.

Lothamer said he became involved in BGSU's programs after transferring to the university from a community college.

“After transferring to BGSU from a community college, I began to make up for lost time,” he said in the press release. “I got involved in everything. All of these opportunities came from BGSU giving me a chance. These opportunities to get involved, give back and take on leadership roles led to me becoming a Voyager.”

Lothamer is Ohio's only recipient of the 2024 Voyager Scholarship and the third consecutive BGSU student to receive the award. He joins 2023 scholarship recipient Elyse Adrian and 2022 scholarship recipient Kaylee Ann Ries.

The Obama Foundation's website states that the Voyager Scholarship is designed to provide programs and create opportunities for students who demonstrate a passion for public service and leadership qualities.

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The two-year fellowship offers up to $50,000 in financial aid to help offset the cost of college, as well as a $10,000 stipend and free AirBnb accommodations so recipients can gain work and travel experience during the summer between their penultimate and senior years. According to the Obama Foundation website, the fellowship program also includes a $2,000 AirBnb credit each year for 10 years, as well as an in-person summit and invitations to speaking series with leaders in a variety of disciplines.

The program began in 2022. According to BGSU, the university is the only university in Ohio with a student in every cohort since the program began.