As seen in the fall 2024 Ivy magazine.
For Vy Huynh, “pay it forward” is not merely a saying. It has become one of the values by which she intends to live her life. And it’s because of the opportunities she had at Iowa State University, thanks to donor support.
Her journey began as it has for many students. “I was attracted to Iowa State first because my sister went here, and she loved it. Through her, I had the opportunity to visit many times, which helped me become familiar with and appreciate the campus,” Huynh said. She also wanted to stay in-state and be close to her family in Des Moines, Iowa.
Yet, it was Iowa State’s campus and the friends she’s made here that made her feel at home. That, and “Iowa State provided me with an endless number of resources for anything I could need help with as a first-generation student,” she said.
A senior in management information systems, Huynh is a member of the Information Systems and Business Analytics Club and the Multicultural Business Network. There, she networks with others and learns about different career opportunities. She has worked at two internships: as a data analytics intern at Collins Aerospace, and previously as a supply chain IT intern with Land O’Lakes, Inc.
“Iowa State provided me with an endless number of resources for anything I could need help with as a first-generation student.”
— Vy Huynh
She participates in Pay It Forward, a student service organization on campus established to build leadership skills through service, relationships, and action.
“Thanks to Pay It Forward, I get to travel, meet new friends, and help out my community,” she said.
These activities are possible thanks to the Wahrer-Gifford Scholarship she received. The scholarship is named for the families of Ivy College of Business alumna Elaine Gifford (’85 accounting) and her husband, Brian Gifford. Elaine and Brian believe that education is transformational in one’s life trajectory. They established two scholarship funds at Iowa State to support students as they pursue their education and career goals.
“The Wahrer-Gifford Scholarship allowed me to invest more time in my studies, find internships, and make fun memories with friends. These opportunities have greatly enriched my college experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the donors’ generosity, as it has been crucial in making my time at Iowa State both productive and fun,” Huynh said.
