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Jeff White, '09, is a business student and the owner of Albany's PizzAmore restaurant.
See more highlights from the 2008 President’s Dinner.
“Student for life” thanks Harris Society members
Pursuit of learning enabled by generous scholarship pledges
As a teenager, Jeff White’s life plan went like this: earn a college degree, embark on a dream career, get married, live happily ever after. So much for planning.
At age 25, Jeff is working on his business administration degree at OSU while simultaneously running his own restaurant. He’s also a husband, an ordained chaplain, and a high school basketball and volleyball coach. He’s definitely living happily ever after.
“I am grateful for everything you’ve done to make this university such a great place.”
— Jeff White
Business, ’09
“My life may not fit in a square box,” he said, “but I believe it is beautifully packaged.”
At the October 17 President’s Dinner, Jeff was one of four students who presented personal letters of thanks to new members of the Harris Society, OSU’s highest recognition level for donors. Jeff thanked Jim and Judith Youde, whose recent $1.4 million pledge will primarily support scholarships for students in business and agricultural sciences.
“Dr. and Mrs. Youde, I love learning,” Jeff said. “I am grateful for everything you’ve done to make this university such a great place.”
Employed in the restaurant business since graduating from high school, Jeff now owns PizzAmore in Albany. “For many business students, the lectures they hear are very theoretical and get tucked away for use on another day,” he observed. “I challenge myself to apply those ideas immediately.”
Jeff’s wife, Kimberly, is also pursuing her degree at OSU. The couple take turns as students, determined to graduate without debt. Last spring, Jeff received the McClure Family Scholarship, which made it possible for him to be enrolled full-time.
“My feeling is that it’s not like you go to school, then start your life. I’ve started my life already,” Jeff said. “Completing my degree will be a real achievement, but I want to be a student for life and never stop learning.”
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