One of the single parent scholarships at LDS Business College is named after the mother of Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Sister Stella Harris Oaks raised three children as a single parent after her husband died.
This semester, there are 16 student recipients of the Stella Harris Oaks Horizons of Hope Single Parent Scholarship. Two students, introduced by LDS Business College vice president of administration, Vince Vaughn, spoke at the luncheon, expressing thanks for the opportunity they each have to develop and refine employable skills to support their families.
Elder Merrill C. Oaks, Emeritus General Authority and Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ younger brother, also spoke about his mother’s grit and determination in overcoming the hardships associated with being a single parent to support her family and provide every opportunity for her children.
LDS Business College President Bruce C. Kusch addressed those gathered to thank the generous donors and scholarship endowment supporters, and pay tribute to LDSBC single parent students. President Kusch said, “Sister Stella Harris Oaks serves as an example of a life well lived.” He pointed to Paul’s epistle to the Corinthian saints in the New Testament and how “God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). “This is a gathering of ‘cheerful givers,’” President Kusch said. “Your donations are consecrated and dedicated to bless the lives of many, both temporally and spiritually.”
President Kusch promised the College would remain committed to ensuring scholarship funds are deployed to bless as many students and their families as possible.
Music for the event was provided by the Harvest Valley Quartet and BC Voices, who sang two musical selections under the direction of LDS Institute of Religion instructor, Rick Decker.
Also in attendance was former LDS Business College president and current CES director of special projects, Larry Richards and his wife Julie.
