The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Hannah Grunkemeyer, the 2026 recipient of the Jan and Al Fulton Scholarship award.
Hannah, the daughter of Amanda Grunkemeyer and Dan Grunkemeyer, is a 2025 graduate of Crestline High School. She is attending Ursuline College Campus of Gannon University and studying Fashion Design.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"My favorite aspect of college life is being able to connect with others from all different walks of life. I enjoy more specifically the women centered learning in my campus that involve women leaders and historic challenges we have faced. I feel, that my college campus catering to it's largely female population has been what has helped me forge connections."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"One interest I developed while at college is an interest in older stories. I usually read new graphic novels, but from my World Mythology class, I really liked putting myself in the perspective of ancient perspectives. I also had a World Adornment class where I discovered old techniques and styles cultures have used to adorn themself, as well as how cultural appropriation affected it, I truly believe this has helped me in my future fashion design career."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"The college experience has made me a more clear-headed individual. I have become someone who worries less about the true intention of someone and make sure to see the best of someone as well as any troubles they may have before deciding anyone was ever acting maliciously. I feel behaving with my guard up made me miss out on positive interactions in high school, and my first year has shown me that it's okay to be yourself and communicate with others."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"Advice I would give an incoming college freshman is to interact positively with people who aren't just in the same major as you. Especially when you don't participation in sports, it can feel alienating, so its best to talk to other students at campus events."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One item on my bucket list is to travel to either a French or Spanish speaking country, this is not just because I learned some of both languages while taking CCP in high school, but also because my World Adornment class showed me the different jewelry styles of many places and ignited my urge to interact with people unlike myself."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Hannah!
To learn more about scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
