MBA student receives Arbor Creek Scholarship
When Mahesh Dondeti came to MSU Texas from India last year to pursue an MBA with a concentration in energy management, he did not expect the world to turn upside down. His sister in India was financing his education, but COVID-19 has all but brought her bridal wear design business to a halt. As with so many across the world, Mahesh is away from his family as they struggle with isolation and grief for lost family and friends.
With his rent going up and no roommate to share it with, and the loss of his sister’s financial support, Mahesh thought he might have to postpone finishing his education. When he got the call early one August morning that he was the recipient of the Arbor Creek scholarship, he thought someone was playing a joke on him. But it wasn’t a joke. “Everything fell into place. It’s not only me this helps but my entire family,” he said.
The Arbor Creek scholarship provides an MSU Texas graduate student a one-bedroom apartment rent-free for one year, a value of approximately $7,500, at the Arbor Creek Apartments. In 2009, Arbor Creek management personnel realized how overwhelming the financial consequences can be when a college graduate decides to pursue an advanced degree. They stepped in to help, according to Arbor Creek manager Kathie Tant. Since then, the scholarship has since provided 12 students with a place to live without the burden of rent. Tant gives credit to all the Arbor Creek staff for supporting and maintaining the scholarship. “We love doing this,” she said.
Dr. Kathryn Zuckweiler, Dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School, said that MSU Texas is fortunate to have partnerships with community businesses such as Arbor Creek that recognize and foster academic success. “This is a huge benefit because it helps make earning a graduate degree more affordable, and in some cases, is life-changing for the recipient,” Zuckweiler said. “I'm extremely grateful to Kathie Tant and Haley Residential for their generous support of Midwestern State University, the McAda Graduate School, and our students. I know that Mahesh will make the most of this opportunity provided to him by Arbor Creek.”
When one of his fellow Indian students drowned at Turner Falls in Oklahoma earlier this year, he helped the family work through governmental red tape to get his remains sent to the family.
As an international student, Mahesh is only allowed to work on campus 19 hours a week, so he struggles to make ends meet. In his job of graduate assistant he has tutored students to help them pass their undergraduate certification tests and to Professor of Economics John Martinez, he has proven himself invaluable. “There are not enough superlatives to describe Mahesh,” Martinez said. “As my GA, I have come to know him very well and have found him to polite, helpful, and highly dependable.” With the changes in online education and virtual meetings, Mahesh has been especially helpful to Martinez. “He is technically proficient in navigating the internet world. In this age of Zoom, I could not have managed without his assistance,” Martinez said.
As he carries out his mission of helping others, Mahesh also acts as an unofficial ambassador and recruiter for MSU Texas. “MSU is a great place. It’s a great investment. We offer a better education at a better price.”
Mahesh never expected he would need to ask for help, but in his scholarship application essay, he makes a promise. “Today, I am standing at the receiving end and am sure one day that I will be at the giving end. I promise not to hold back.”