Friends of Patrick Ward, a legally blind college student murdered in his Bel Air home by an intruder in August, have started a scholarship in his name for blind or visually impaired students attending Harford Community College, where Mr. Ward, 29, was just about to graduate before his death.
Kim Brandon, a good friend of Mr. Ward's, came up with the idea of the Patrick Xavier Ward Scholarship shortly after Mr. Ward's funeral.
"The night before it [the murder] happened, he said he wanted to be a productive member of society," Brandon said. Mr. Ward had trouble getting hired for job because he was blind, she noted. "That's the closest he could come to that, completing college." The scholarship, Brandon said, is their way of accomplishing Mr. Ward's goal to contribute to the community.
Soon after, Brandon met with people at HCC to discuss criteria and what they envisioned for the scholarship that will be in their dear friend's honor.
Along with HCC, Brandon and other friends of Mr. Ward established the scholarship, which will give preference to students "who are blind or visually impaired and may be using disability support services," according to Denise Dregier, director of college and alumni development for the college.
Those who want to apply can do so through the Office of Financial Aid and must be enrolled in at least one credit course, have a financial need for the scholarship — though that is not required — and have a 2.0 or above GPA. The people who donate money to the scholarship will be the ones who choose the recipient.
Brandon wanted the criteria for the scholarship to be as open-ended as possible in order to give the most people a chance to qualify. She feels that's how Mr. Ward would have wanted it to be.
"I think he would be excited about it," Brandon said of what she believes her longtime friend would think of the scholarship. "Patrick was such a good friend. I feel like I'm just reciprocating his friendship."
Currently, the scholarship doesn't have a set amount, but Brandon hopes that will change soon.
The amount the scholarship will be for depends on donations given by people who just want to help the cause and through fundraising events, such as one Brandon and friends put together for December.
To raise money for the scholarship, Brandon, friends and family are holding a bull roast 7-11 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Heritage Parkville Gardens, 7631 Harford Road. Tickets are $40.
Brandon said there will be food, music and door prizes, including an autographed Joe Flacco Ravens jersey, a gym membership to The Arena Club and gift certificates. Fore more information or to purchase tickets, e-mail forpat1126@yahoo.com.