WICHITA FALLS, TX (TNN) - Wichita Falls rancher, businessman and game warden Pat Canan is a well-known figure in the Fain Fine Arts Center at Midwestern State University.
He enjoys taking ceramics classes and has supported the continuing education program as a student and benefactor for years.
More recently, Canan's efforts have been directed toward helping students personally, supporting them in an area that is emerging as a major issue for college students throughout the country: food security.
In response, Mr. and Mrs. Canan established an innovative scholarship program at MSU Texas that will help ensure that all students can access regular healthy meals, regardless of their financial situation.
"The Canan Food Security Scholarship is consistent with MSU Texas' commitment to supporting students so that they can be successful and complete their degree programs," President Suzanne Shipley said. "The Canans have identified an often overlooked, but crucial, component of academic success. This program has the potential to be an inspiring model for campuses across the country. We know how significant it is already for many of our students."
Interested students complete a simple application and submit a short statement of need. Those eligible receive funds on a standard campus meal card to provide at least one nutritious meal each day throughout the semester.
Use of the benefit is invisible to others, insuring the privacy and dignity of those seeking assistance. The university has also taken steps to insure a quick-turnaround of requests.
The scholarship program enhances other efforts on campus.
Keith Lamb, Vice President for Student Affairs, said, "Increasing levels of food insecurity among college students present a significant barrier to achieving the dream of an education. We at MSU Texas are trying to be more intentional in addressing this challenge."
Those who wish to support The Canan Food Security Scholarship at MSU Texas should go online to msutexas.edu/annualfund/make-a-gift or contact University Advancement and Public Affairs.