Sorority establishes scholarship in honor of Taylor Grider
Left to right: OPA members Shelby Ackermann, Sophie Austin, Emily Russ, Taylor Grider and Caroline Clark at WKU Homecoming 2018. Photo courtesy WKU.
To honor the memory of a sister, Omega Phi Alpha has established the Taylor Kay Grider Memorial Scholarship Fund to support WKU students who are members of the sorority and represent the values of the chapter.
Taylor Kay Grider was born March 18, 1999, to Tim and Tami Grider of Russell Springs, Ky. She passed away suddenly on Oct. 13, 2019. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister, Sara, and brother, Logan.
Grider came to WKU in 2017 as a freshman pursuing a major in Biochemistry. While on the Hill, she quickly found her community, clicking with new friends and her sorority. She was very active within the Rho Chapter of Omega Phi Alpha (OPA) and was a member of the Mahurin Honors College.
“All of us in Rho Chapter had the privilege of calling Taylor a sister and friend,” shared members of the Chapter. “Taylor’s heart for serving those around her and the pride she felt for Omega Phi Alpha radiated from her. The moment Taylor became our sister, she brought so much joy and love to our chapter. Taylor always had a smile on her face and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.”
The Chapter members also noted, “She led our chapter by taking on leadership positions such as Parliamentarian, Rho Chi Leader, Service to the Nations Committee Head and Standards Board member. Her dedication to OPA was evident but, above all else, she was a dedicated friend to each of us. Taylor’s absence is felt in volumes by our sisterhood and those who loved her most. We will remember Taylor for the kind and bright light she was.”
“It’s evident when you speak to anyone who knew Taylor just how service- and academic-minded she was,” said Dr. Donald Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation. “We are honored to administer this fund in Taylor’s memory to support deserving WKU students with the same values.”
Through this fund, Taylor’s legacy on the Hill and beyond will continue in perpetuity. The first recipient of the Taylor Kay Grider Memorial Scholarship will be selected for the 2020-2021 academic year.
For more information, visit the Taylor Kay Grider Memorial Scholarship page or contact Jessica Carver at (270) 745-2342.
