Whitehall Auditor Donates $25K for Student Scholarships

Shaquille Alexander knows what it's like to need a helping hand. Now the Whitehall City Auditor is reaching back to lift up students from his hometown with a $25,000 scholarship fund.

Alexander is creating an endowed scholarship at Otterbein University specifically for graduates of Whitehall-Yearling High School who want to study business, accounting, or economics. The entire donation comes from his own pocket.

"Life is often challenging, but with the right resources, a bit of curiosity, and steadfast determination, young people in Whitehall can achieve more than they ever imagined possible," Alexander said.

Alexander walked the same hallways as future scholarship recipients. He graduated from Whitehall-Yearling High School in 2014 and earned his degree from Otterbein in 2018, graduating cum laude with a bachelor's in finance and business administration.

At just 28, he's already making waves in public service. He was appointed city treasurer in 2022 and became city auditor this year after the previous auditor retired. He's also a certified public accountant.

The scholarship will be fully funded by 2031, and the first student will receive it in fall 2033. There's no minimum GPA requirement, just admission to Otterbein and a connection to Whitehall.

The Ripple Effect

Alexander's gift shows how one person's success can multiply across an entire community. Every student who receives this scholarship might go on to create their own impact, whether through public service, business innovation, or helping their own neighbors.

The scholarship could support a single student or be divided among multiple recipients each year. If no business students from Whitehall apply, it can go to students in other programs, ensuring the fund always helps someone.

Dana Viglietta, Otterbein's executive director for philanthropy, said the financial aid office will identify eligible students and determine how to award the funds. The focus stays on removing barriers for Whitehall students who dream of college.

Alexander's investment is more than money. It's proof that someone from Whitehall believes in the next generation enough to bet his own resources on their success.