Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Meg Herndon family works to endow scholarship

Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Family and friends of Meg Herndon sell tickets to a St. Louis Cardinals game at the sixth annual Walk for Women on Saturday. Photo by Colby Powell

Southeast Missouri State University was shaken after the tragic death of Meg Herndon in March 2012, but now with the help of Southeast soccer coach Heather Nelson, her family has decided to honor her by creating an endowed scholarship in her name.

After discussing the decision to create an endowed scholarship for Meg with her team and the athletic department, Nelson met with Cindi and Ian Herndon to share the idea and to begin working toward their ultimate goal.

"As a team, we agreed that establishing an endowed scholarship was the most appropriate and important way to honor Meg," Nelson said. "Creating a memorial scholarship in her name is a clear priority for every member of our program. As a group, we believe it is the most fitting way to recognize Meg for her outstanding character, academic achievement in the College of Nursing and athletic excellence at the NCAA Division I level."

According to the Southeast website, "Endowed scholarships are long-term, perpetual funds that generate annual income, a portion of which is awarded each year by the Foundation to deserving students."

The minimum amount to create an endowed scholarship is $10,000 and every year 5 percent is awarded to the chosen student. Additional funds toward the endowment are added to the initial price to help continue the growth of the scholarship.

"The biggest thing I know, between myself and coach Nelson, is we want somebody who is similar to Meghan in her beliefs and what she stood for," Cindi Herndon said when referring to who receives the scholarship.

It is also hoped that the scholarship goes to a female who is currently playing soccer with Southeast or intends to do so in the future.

"We know that her name every year is going to be brought up again," Cindi Herndon said. "They're going to remember her. The person getting the scholarship is going to learn about Meg, what she did and what she stood for and her sacrifice she ultimately made. Hopefully getting people to value and think about the choices they make. If they're given the opportunity to do something good to think what they can give back."

Meg Herndon was hospitalized with a severe brain injury after she was involved in a motor vehicle accident on September 9. After her death her kidneys, liver and B negative blood were donated and received by three people in St. Louis.

Meg Herndon's family will sell St. Louis Cardinals baseball tickets to help raise money for the scholarship fund. They have committed to buying at least 500 tickets, and the tickets will be sold for $20 apiece.

If the family sells all 500 tickets the first pitch of the game will be thrown in Meg Herndon's honor.

The game is scheduled for July 23, which is also Meg Herndon's birthday. The Cardinals are playing the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. Anyone wishing to buy tickets can email pray4meg@gmail.com.

"Endowing Meg's scholarship means everything to our coaching staff and Meg's teammates," Nelson said. "Meg touched our hearts and souls, as she did with so many people. Losing her from our soccer family was a life-changing experience. We carry Meg and her memory with us every day, and I can honestly tell you that she has earned this legacy and we are passionate about achieving this honor on her behalf."

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