Josh Beard Recipient of the J. Willard Marriott Academic Scholarship during the 2022-2023 academic year. Chapter: Beta Epsilon School: University of Utah Graduation Year: 2024

My Testimonial

The acceptance of this scholarship means more than just to ease to the burden of the cost of education. This is a boost in motivation and determination to be a better student, better friend, better family member, and a better Sigma Chi. I have been grateful for every award or opportunity that has come my way as its a reminder to go out and make a difference in the world. Being an Information Systems major at the University of Utah, I have desires to go into the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, software and system architecture, or business analysis. This scholarship will be able to support the cost many of the certification exams I need to take in completion of my degree.

Since joining Sigma Chi in the spring of 2021, I have grown immensely. The ability to grow my time management, and have a greater sense of leadership in the classroom and outside of it has helped me develop so many meaningful relationships. This specifically reminds of the the creed in how it states, "I will endeavor to so build myself and so conduct myself that I will ever be a credit to our fraternity". By striving to be the best version of myself, I realize a lot of it has come through Sigma Chi throughout my college experience and I want to give back in anyway I can.

I would also like to give a special thank you to all the generous donations and donors involved in this scholarship. Receiving the J. Willard Marriott scholarship is extra special as well since most of my academic time spent studying has been in the library named after him here at the University of Utah. It feels to be a way of receiving recognition from the time spent there during my studies.

Again, thank you for this scholarship and opportunity. As always, IH

Josh Beard