ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅

JACKSON, Tenn. — May 12, 2022 — ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University EDGE students, Kevin Riffle and Brooke Stamps, were named the 2022 recipients of β€œThe Lee, Chris and Becky Cogdell Honorary Scholarship Fund for Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Students.”

In 2021, Bobby and Shirley Cogdell of Lexington, Tenn., donated $50,000 to create a scholarship fund for students in ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University’s EDGE program. Cogdell said he established the fund in appreciation of the Christian lives of his three children and in consideration of their mother, Fay Cogdell, who was a graduate of ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ and a longtime special education teacher.

β€œIt is our desire to help children, such as our very special granddaughter, Olivia Gaston,” Bobby Cogdell said. β€œThis will assist these students to continue their education at one of our nation’s finest Christian universities.”

Jennifer Graves, director of the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ EDGE program, said the majority of families with young adults with disabilities never thought a post-secondary educational option was available, so scholarships that help support EDGE families are important.

β€œ[These scholarships] make the dreams of students and parents possible,” Graves said. β€œ[ΒιΆΉΚΣơ’s EDGE program is] changing the trajectory of the lives of these students and their families.”

Riffle, of Humboldt, Tenn., is a graduate of South Gibson High School and the son of Darrell and Debbie Riffle. He is a member of the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Jazz Band, and Graves said he is full of joy and happiness.

Stamps, of Collierville, Tenn., is the daughter of John and Kathy Stamps. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority at ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅, and Graves said she is known for her strong work ethic and ninja dance moves.

The ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ EDGE program provides a holistic, post-secondary education for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, encouraging increased independent skills that lead to a better quality of life and aligning with ΒιΆΉΚΣơ’s mission of providing Christ-centered education. EDGE is an acronym for employment training, daily living skills, godly focus and educational enrichment.

To learn more about the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ EDGE Program, visit uu.edu/programs/education/edge/.