Senior Scholarship
$1500/Semester (2 Semesters)
Senior students are eligible for consideration (must have completed 89 hours). Must be the child or grandchild of an SAU alumni. Applicant must be enrolled in 12 hours per semester. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The base criteria will be academic merit and financial need. Applicants should also have demonstrated leadership experience, community service, a co-curricular transcript, recommendation letter from a former/current teacher and SAU alumni. Must be in good standing with the SAU Dean of Students. The scholarship is not renewable.
Recipient can only receive one SAU Alumni Association scholarship. The Pat Weaver Scholarship must be forfeited for a recipient to receive the Senior Scholarship.
*Deadline March 15, 2025
Pat Weaver Scholarship
$1000/Semester (8 Semesters)
Incoming freshmen students are eligible for consideration (30 hours or less). Must be the child or grandchild of an SAU alumni. Applicant must be a full-time student, enrolled in 15 hours per semester. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The base criteria will be academic merit and financial need. Applicants should also present a co-curricular transcript with a letter from a former teacher and an SAU alumni. The scholarship is renewable as long as minimum hours and GPA are obtained, as well as clearance from the SAU Dean of Students.
*Deadline March 15, 2025
Meet Our Scholars
Pat Weaver Scholar Zane Pennington
Hot Springs, AR
Business
3.4 HS GPA
Son of Scotty ’02 and Blair ’03 Pennington
“I am very honored to receive the Pat Weaver Scholarship! I am excited to continue the tradition started by both of my parents and other family members before me. My goal is to proudly represent them in the classroom and on the court. Go Riders!” -Zane
Zane graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in May 2025. In high school, he participated in many activites including varsity basketball, track & field, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Technology Student Association (TSA). He was also a member of the Gifted and Talented Program, chess team, and quiz bowl team. Zane visited SAU many times to attend basketball games. He loves Magnolia the feeling of “home” that translate to the University. Zane plans to pursue a business degree to own and operate his business one day. He is a member of the Mulerider Men’s Basketball Team alongside his brother, Zac.
Senior Scholar Kalli Smith
Wickes, AR
Agricultural Business
3.96 SAU GPA
Daughter of Brandon ’01 and Emily ’01 Smith; Granddaughter of David ’72 and Amy ’73 Sweat
“I am sincerely grateful to be selected as the 2025-26 SAU Alumni Association Senior Scholarship. Being chosen for this honor is truly special to me and is further motivation to continue representing SAU with pride. I have always been proud to be part of the Mulerider family, and this opportunity makes me even more excited to continue giving back to the University that has done so much for me. Once again, I greatly appreciate your belief in me and I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity during this final chapter as a student at SAU.” – Kalli
Beyond academics, Kalli has faced challenges that tested her perseverance. Whether it was overcoming financial hardships or balancing multiple responsibilities, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of education. These challenges have not deterred her but have encouraged her to be more resilient. She believes success is not just about intelligence or talent but about dedication, adaptability, and the willingness to push forward despite adversity. Kalli is committed to using her education to contribute positively to society through her chosen field or continued service and mentorship.
Kalli will graduate in Spring 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business. She plans to obtain her master’s degree and become a professor of agricultural business. During her time at SAU, she has been a member of the Cattleman’s Association, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and Sigma Alpha sorority.