Four years can go by in the blink of an eye, especially for Elks scholars striving to make the most of their college experience through classes, clubs and volunteering. Read how 2007 top MVS winner Cort Van Ostran spent his final weeks as a student at Harvard University. Then, read how 2011 top MVS winner Christina Lulich spent her first week of college at the University of Tennessee.

A Poignant Reminder

The week of my graduation from Harvard University was quite a roller coaster. My graduation was set for Thursday, but on the preceding Sunday, my hometown—Joplin, Missouri, where I was born and raised and where nearly all of my family still resides—was hit by one of the worst tornadoes in recent memory. More than one hundred people were killed, and among the many homes and businesses destroyed was Joplin’s Elks Lodge—a Lodge where I had spoken, as the 2007 top male recipient of the Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship, just a year or so earlier.

Thankfully, and by the grace of God, my family was spared from the tornado’s wrath, and amazingly, my family was able to come to Boston for my graduation, a great time of celebration and reflection on the last four years. My time at college was filled with experiences that the Elks, through their generous financial support covering Harvard’s steep tuition, empowered me to experience. From internships to global travel, my rich college experience made me a better person, and strengthened my sense of both national and global citizenship; in short, it gave this Midwesterner with working-class roots the opportunity to do and see more than I ever thought possible.

Earning my degree from Harvard was among the greatest accomplishments of my life so far. But my graduation’s juxtaposition with such a devastating event as the tornado that destroyed my hometown was a poignant reminder that life can change in an instant.

Both events, however, serve as moving examples of why the Elks’ work is so important. The Elks made my dream of attending Harvard a reality; the organization opened doors to me that I never thought possible. At the same time, the Elks’ support is so vital for needs such as those of my hometown following the devastating tornado; despite its own terrible loss, the organization immediately began the work of rebuilding not just homes and businesses, but lives.

It is this dual purpose of both rebuilding and expanding, healing and growing, managing setbacks and creating new opportunities, that makes the Elks so special. As one Joplin Elk was quoted in the local newspaper as saying shortly after the tornado, “You can kick us around, but we’ll still be here.” I am so thankful for both roles that Elks play—and I sleep a little better at night knowing they will continue to do so for many, many years to come.

Cort Van Ostran
2007 Top MVS Winner
Sponsored by Joplin, Mo., Lodge No. 501

In the Beginning

To say my first week of school was stressful would be an understatement. However, during the second week, everything seemed to fall into place.

So far, my college experience seems to revolve entirely around my architecture classes. But somehow, in the midst of these incredibly time-consuming assignments, I’ve managed to get involved with campus clubs. I’ve attended meetings and social events with multiple collegiate church organizations, 4-H, and the Ignite program, a small group of people that meets weekly to develop friendships and leadership skills. So far, I’ve made friends from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, North Carolina and all across Tennessee.

While I enjoy my classes during the week, I have to admit that the weekends are my favorite part of living on campus. On the weekends, I cheer like crazy at sports games, make a Target run to replenish my stash of Ramen noodles and Raisinets, watch movies, play board games with friends, hang out at the Three Spoons frozen yogurt shop near campus, and catch up on some much needed sleep!

I plan to participate in a trip to Tuscaloosa, Ala., during Fall Break to aid in the recovery from the devastating tornadoes which came through in the spring. The following weekend, I’m attending the American Institute of Architecture Students South Quad conference in San Antonio, Texas.

I’m so excited to meet new people, learn new things, and help out those in need. Thank you, Elks, for helping make this amazing experience possible!

Christina Lulich
2011 Top MVS Winner
Sponsored by Gatlinburg, Tenn., Lodge No. 1925

In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.296 million to fund the Most Valuable Student Scholarships. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, please visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.