A family tradition will continue as Owen Hamilton, a 2025 graduate of Stoney Creek High School in Rochester, will begin his college career with the help of the Scoggin Foundation Scholarship.

The scholarship was established by Patrick Scoggin and his wife, Christie. The four-year, full-tuition award is given annually to an incoming OU freshman from Rochester, Rochester Adams, Stoney Creek or Avondale high schools.

Patrick Scoggin died from cancer in 2020. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Oakland University in 2021.

Hamilton is the 14th recipient and plans to pursue studies in history and social studies at OU in the fall.

“This scholarship means a lot to me because it will allow me to further my education in the history field and will allow me to be able to teach others about history in turn,” Hamilton said.

Christie Scoggin continues the mission she and her husband shared to support local students determined to make a difference in the world. Patrick Scoggin died in 2020.

Past winners of the scholarship have become lawyers, biochemical engineers and nurses.

“My late husband and I started this scholarship in 2012 to begin to share the blessings that we were given in life with those that might need help financially to complete a degree,” said Christie. “It made sense to partner up with OU, being such a terrific university close to the Rochester area.”

In addition to history, Hamilton has a passion for music and was a trumpet player and section leader in the Stoney Creek marching band.

“I am also looking forward to continuing to play the trumpet at OU,” he said.

“One of my favorite feelings is performing music and seeing the joy that it can bring to the audience. This scholarship will enable me to bring joy and education to the community, that is why it is very important to me.”

The Scoggin Foundation Scholarship, formerly known as the Huntington Ford Scholarship, is renewable for three additional years after the first year for recipients who continue to demonstrate financial need, complete full-time credits during each fall and winter semester, and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic performance and extracurricular involvement.