APSU Alumni’s Children Establish Memorial Scholarship Endowment for Agriculture Students

Austin Peay State University Establishes Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Esteemed Alumni’s Parents

CLARKSVILLE, TN – In a heartfelt tribute to their late parents, Austin Peay State University (APSU) alumna Susie Pace Perry (Class of 1973) and her brother, Robert Drew “Bobby” Pace, have contributed to the establishment of the Bob and Cecile Lacy Pace Endowed Scholarship. This significant financial initiative aims to support current and future generations of students pursuing degrees in agriculture at the university.

The decision to create this scholarship reflects not only the siblings’ dedication to honoring their parents but also underscores the longstanding connection the Pace family has with APSU. Susie Pace Perry remarked, “This scholarship is an ideal tribute to our parents. She and our father had a deep love for family and community throughout their 72-year marriage, and that began when they met as Austin Peay students.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of familial bonds and educational values cherished by the Pace family.

The establishment of the scholarship aligns with APSU’s mission to foster educational opportunities and facilitate student success. Bobby Pace noted, “Our parents would have been proud of the students who receive this scholarship. These scholars will carry on a legacy through their studies and eventual work in agriculture.” By supporting this program, the Pace family hopes to inspire students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations, reflecting the ethos of service and commitment to community exemplified by Bob and Cecile Pace.

To be eligible for this endowed scholarship, applicants must be majoring in agriculture, enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The scholarship is designed to be renewable, contingent upon the recipient fulfilling these criteria, thereby encouraging sustained academic performance.

Kris Phillips, APSU Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, expressed appreciation for the Pace family’s generosity, stating, “It is an honor to have gifts from our multi-generational alumni families that both honor their loved ones and provide support for our students. The privilege of having legacy students on our campus—where families return to continue their connection to APSU—is immeasurable and illustrates the ‘Govs For Life’ experience.”

Through this endowed scholarship, the Pace family not only commemorates the influential lives of their parents but also lays a foundation for future students to create their own success stories, thereby perpetuating the legacy of caring and commitment to education that has been a hallmark of their family for generations.