Two-Time Lock Haven Football Captain Earns Multiple Scholarships

Justin White, of Philadelphia, is the recipient of Lock Haven’s Big Train Dintiman Scholarship, and Ron and Jo Ann Bowes Locker Room Scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. White is a senior sport administration major. He is also a wide receiver and two-time captain of the Lock Haven football team.

Both, the Ron and Jo Ann Bowes Locker Room Scholarship and the Big Train Dintiman Scholarship, are awarded annually to a Bald Eagle football player known for displaying the leadership characteristics expected of a successful student-athlete.

White believes both scholarships have provided him the opportunity to build upon his leadership skills on campus, on the football field, and within the local community.

Along with being a student-athlete, White is a member of the Black Student Union; Student Athletics Advisory Council; the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; and is involved with the new Multicultural Resource Center. He was also recently appointed as the Lock Haven student representative on the Commonwealth University Council of Trustees.

“It’s a great honor to serve as the student trustee representing the university and the Lock Haven student body,” White said. “I’d like to thank my coaches, Albert Jones ’99 (chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer), Dr. Ron Darbeau (vice president for faculty affairs and academic operations), and Kenny Hall ’94 (director of diversity, equity, and inclusion), for mentoring me along the way.”

“Justin is a shining example of a committed, engaged Lock Haven student,” said Bashar W. Hanna, president. “The input and voices of student leaders are integral to shaping the future of Commonwealth University. Thank you, Justin, for your leadership and willingness to serve.”

In October, White was the featured student speaker at the Lock Haven University Foundation’s ninth annual James C. Reeser Scholarship Brunch.

The scholarship brunch is a celebration of donor generosity and student success at The Haven, offering donors an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact their giving has on Lock Haven students while providing students a chance to thank donors for their commitment to helping them soar higher.

“The lasting impact of meeting my donors is something I’ll remember forever,” White said. “To be able to meet the people who helped make college affordable for me was something I will never forget.”

“I was astonished by how much passion and love my donors have for the university, and it was nice to learn about the things they accomplished during their days at The Haven,” he added. “They really do care about our student body and the progress of our campus. I want them to know that their money went to a good cause. More importantly, I hope they know it went to a good person.”

Along with his appreciation for his donors’ positive impact on his Haven experience, White credits his professors and course work with helping him become a better leader and providing him a platform to use his voice to make the world a better place. He also lauded first-year head football coach, Dan Mulrooney, and his entire staff, for creating a fun, positive, optimistic culture for White and his teammates, both on and off the field.

“There is definitely a bright future for the Lock Haven football program,” White said.

Upon graduating, White has his sights set on becoming an athletic director and high school football coach.