Trisha D. (Grayson) Atwater graduated from Sam Houston State University in May 2002 with a Bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. She was involved in many organizations while at SHSU: Golden Key National Honor Society; Rho Lambda Greek Women Honor Society, President 2000-2002: Alpha Chi Omega House Manager, 2000-2002; Deans list, 1998-1999, 2000-2001; Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society, VP 1998-!999; Student Government Association, and an Orientation leader. She was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college, so any financial assistance was greatly appreciated, as she was the sole person paying for college. She received a few scholarships in addition to financial aid along the way, which helped tremendously. The generosity of others gave Trisha the springboard needed to gain a degree and be successful in business. It's the generosity and support received along the way that gives this scholarship reason and the name -Bearkat Paw it Forward Scholarship.