Mohamed “Zoal” Awad ’27

Since he was a young boy growing up in Saudi Arabia, Mohamed “Zoal” Awad dreamed of attending college in the United States.  His family, especially his father, encouraged him to pursue that goal.  “If it’s meant to be, it will work out,” his father said.  And it did – Zoal is now a junior majoring in Sport and Recreation Management and a member of the men’s soccer team.  In addition to playing soccer, Zoal has embraced everything Pitt-Bradford has to offer.  

These opportunities have been made possible thanks to donor scholarships – especially the Near and Far Fund established by Rick and Cheryl ’69-’72 Lutz.  Rick and Cheryl, both longtime supporters of Pitt-Bradford, have been actively involved for years.  Cheryl, an alumna, also served on the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association Board.  In addition, the couple hosted several Dinners with a Panther at their home.  These dinners have allowed them to meet college students right in their own community as well as international students from all over the world.

Because of their background as local school educators for over 30 years and their interaction with students from around the world, they established the Near and Far Fund.  This scholarship assists local students who are majoring in education or international students regardless of major.   Zoal is the first international student to receive their scholarship, and they met for the first time this year at the annual Donor Scholarship Luncheon.

“Donors are the engine that keep Pitt-Bradford going,” Zoal said, “They are part of the Pitt-Bradford community.”  Rick and Cheryl are definitely part of the Panther Family.  They couldn’t think of a better place than Pitt-Bradford to invest their assets.  For them, nothing is more meaningful than meeting the students whose lives they’ve helped shape.   Zoal is deeply grateful for their support – it’s made it possible for him to pursue his college degree, which he’s on track to complete in just three years instead of the usual four.