Facing a parent’s worst nightmare, the loss of a child, Mahmoud and Ginny Baali chose to honor their son Samer Baali ’05 by establishing an endowed scholarship fund through the St. Cloud State Foundation. The Baalis’ gift totaled more than $30,000.
Scholarship created in son’s memory
“He was very appreciative of St. Cloud State and the opportunity to earn a degree,” Mahmoud said. Ginny shared that St. Cloud State provided the support necessary for Sam to be successful, including uncovering a previously undiagnosed attention deficit disorder. He graduated in four years with a degree in mass communications. Sam was a young man with a lot of perseverance, she added. The idea to create the Sam Baali Mass Communications Scholarship came from Sam himself. “Dad I want to give back [to St. Cloud State] when I am successful,” Mahmoud said, recalling his son’s sentiments. We are grateful for the opportunity that St. Cloud State gave him, Ginny said. The Baali’s used the proceeds from Sam’s estate and several memorial gifts from friends and family to start the fund. “We are honored that Sam wished to give back to St. Cloud State,” said Matt Andrew, vice president of University Advancement. “His legacy will help future generations of mass communications students achieve their education and career aspirations.”
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