Primarily raised by his grandparents, Terry lost his grandfather -- someone he considered a father figure -- when they were involved in a car accident during his freshman year in high school. After his grandfather’s death, he moved in with his father, who died two years later from cancer.

Terry Hoeye with his dad, Jerry Hoeye, in 1998

By then, Terry was a high school senior. Determined to graduate, he moved in with a friend’s family and, despite the many obstacles he faced, finished high school with a 3.6 GPA. Terry maintained his good grades all while continuing to play baseball and basketball. “It was tough,” he said, explaining the difficulty of balancing sports and his grades during so much turmoil. “I played baseball after my father passed away that spring, and everybody was cheering for me. It was good to have friends and family rally around me. Following graduation, Terry was invited by his half brother and wife, to live with them in Kennesaw and attend Kennesaw State. Rick and Lorelei Hoeye worked to help Terry apply for scholarships at KSU and, eventually, apply for the HOPE Scholarship. The list of scholarships Terry has received while at Kennesaw State is mpressive. “The scholarships have offered me tremendous benefits,” he said, “not only financially, but it has made my dreams come true because I really wanted to go to college.” Terry’s grandfather instilled in him a desire to attend college. “He used to always tell me ‘one day you’re going to go to college’ and without the scholarships that wouldn’t have happened.” Terry will be the first in his family to graduate from college.

Terry studied abroad in Italy

Terry plans to carry his love of sports into his career. A business management major, he aspires to work for a sports company. Currently, he works in the English department office and is a student assistant for GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), a federally funded program designed to prepare and increase the number of low-income students who are ready to enter college. On weekends he works at Cost Plus World Market.

Humbled by the generosity of donors who have made his scholarship opportunities possible, Terry graciously acknowledges their help. “Knowing someone is out there giving money and helping is really supportive, “he said.

The KSU scholarship recipient is optimistic about his future and offers advice to those who may face challenges similar to those he experienced. “Just keep going and stay with it. Believe in yourself.”

Scholarships Awarded to Hoeye

Bob M. Prillaman Scholarship
Bank of America Scholarship
Brian Miller Memorial Scholarship
Pell Grant
J.T.Anderson III Scholarship
HOPE Scholarship
KSU Study Abroad Scholarship