The Dan Manning, Jr. Occupational Therapy Scholarship

Criteria: (One Full Annual Tuition Award) The Dan Manning, Jr. Occupational Therapy Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time junior or senior in the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program. Applicants must provide evidence of financial need and have expressed an interest in becoming an occupational therapist. Applicants should submit an essay stating his/her goals and need for this grant.

Dan Manning, Jr. was a sophomore studying Occupational Therapy at WSU when he passed away in 1994, a few months short of his 21st birthday, from complications from acute lymphocytic leukemia. Dan was a popular, hardworking student and an inspiration to many on campus. His courage and determination during his battle for life rallied his friends and fellow students to help him raise money and support for a bone marrow transplant.

This generosity continued after Dan’s death when the Occupational Therapy Honor Society conducted bake sales, car washes, and other fundraisers to create the Dan Manning Resource Library. The wish to preserve this spirit of compassion for others and the desire to create a living memorial to Dan led to the creation of this scholarship.

As the first endowed scholarship for Occupational Therapy majors, this is a fitting legacy of Dan’s. His friend and advisor, Father Tim Brewer, recalls, “The most important lesson Dan taught me was the meaning of the word success. Fullness of life and success is measured not by quantity, but rather quality. He loved intensely, and he gave back what he received generously.”

Many Occupational Therapy students struggle through or delay their educational programs because of lack of money. This scholarship will help students of modest means continue their education without disruption or delay.

Dan chose to attend WSU in 1992 because the OT program was highly acclaimed and affordable. Having a scholarship in his memory pays tribute to his pursuit of excellence and opportunity. Established in 2008 by his mother, Dottie, with the help of countless friends and supporters, this scholarship will help those students who choose to dedicate themselves to the field of Occupational Therapy.