The Philanthropy team recently had the pleasure of interviewing Charlie, one of the 2025 recipients of the Julia McCoy Scholarship, to learn more about his academic journey and his aspirations for the future. We wanted to share his story with our community, highlighting both his dedication to education and the meaningful impact he is already making. The following is a closer look at Charlie and the inspiring path he is shaping.
When Charlie talks about his academic journey, one word comes to mind: passion. His love for chemistry and Alzheimer’s research has shaped every step of his college experience. Despite the rigorous workload, Charlie describes his time in college as deeply rewarding. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Charlie is currently a student at East Tennessee State University, where he is majoring in Chemistry. In addition to his full-time classes, Charlie spends countless hours in the lab, immersing himself in experiments that fuel his curiosity. He also works as an intern through the biology department’s work‑study program, gaining hands‑on experience that complements his classroom learning.
Charlie’s inspiration to pursue this path began in high school. A chemistry class sparked his fascination with biology, and his enthusiasm for the subject quickly grew. He bonded with his chemistry teacher over shared interests, and that connection solidified his desire to explore the sciences further.
The Julia McCoy Scholarship was established by Givens Communities to honor their former Training and Development Director, Julia McCoy. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate dedication to education, professional growth, and community impact—qualities McCoy was known for. The scholarship is awarded by a committee made up of members from Givens Human Resources and the Philanthropy Department. Awards are given to deserving students to help support their educational and professional aspirations.
When Charlie learned he had been selected for the Julia McCoy Scholarship, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude. “I was so happy,” he recalls. “It meant I didn’t have to take on a part‑time job. I could focus completely on my studies and homework.” This scholarship has opened doors for Charlie, allowing him to dedicate his energy to an upcoming research project aimed at benefiting Alzheimer’s patients and the aging community. Each semester, he hopes to take additional classes to deepen his knowledge and prepare for this important work.
Charlie’s ambitions after graduation are equally impressive. He envisions a future in pharmaceuticals or academia, possibly as a university professor. His ultimate goal is to make a difference in his community by advancing personalized medicine and helping doctors tailor drug choices based on how individual genes respond to medication. With his strong foundation in math, Charlie plans to use data and statistics to analyze the human body and improve treatment outcomes.
Outside the classroom, Charlie is just as remarkable. He’s not only brilliant and driven, he’s also deeply creative. Music is his greatest passion beyond science. Charlie plays the guitar, piano, clarinet, and handbells, and he loves to sing in his church’s choir. Music offers him a way to express himself and find balance amid his demanding schedule. Whether in the lab or performing a melody, Charlie embodies curiosity, talent, and heart. The Julia McCoy Scholarship didn’t just support a student; it invested in a future innovator who is determined to change lives.
Philanthropy is proud to support incredible students like Charlie, whose passion, perseverance, and vision reflect the heart of the Julia McCoy Scholarship Program. Our goal is to enrich lives not only by easing financial barriers, but by empowering students to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose. When donors invest in the Julia McCoy Scholarship, they are helping today’s scholars thrive while ensuring future students have access to the same life‑changing opportunities. Each gift strengthens a ripple effect of knowledge, compassion, and innovation that reaches far beyond the classroom and into the communities these students will serve for years to come.
Those who wish to support the Julia McCoy Scholarship Program and help uplift remarkable students like Charlie can make a gift by clicking here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/