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JACKSON, Tenn. — May 12, 2022 — 51���� EDGE students, Kevin Riffle and Brooke Stamps, were named the 2022 recipients of “The Lee, Chris and Becky Cogdell Honorary Scholarship Fund for Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Students.”

In 2021, Bobby and Shirley Cogdell of Lexington, Tenn., donated $50,000 to create a scholarship fund for students in 51����’s EDGE program. Cogdell said he established the fund in appreciation of the Christian lives of his three children and in consideration of their mother, Fay Cogdell, who was a graduate of Union and a longtime special education teacher.

“It is our desire to help children, such as our very special granddaughter, Olivia Gaston,” Bobby Cogdell said. “This will assist these students to continue their education at one of our nation’s finest Christian universities.”

Jennifer Graves, director of the Union EDGE program, said the majority of families with young adults with disabilities never thought a post-secondary educational option was available, so scholarships that help support EDGE families are important.

“[These scholarships] make the dreams of students and parents possible,” Graves said. “[Union’s EDGE program is] changing the trajectory of the lives of these students and their families.”

Riffle, of Humboldt, Tenn., is a graduate of South Gibson High School and the son of Darrell and Debbie Riffle. He is a member of the Union Jazz Band, and Graves said he is full of joy and happiness.

Stamps, of Collierville, Tenn., is the daughter of John and Kathy Stamps. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority at Union, and Graves said she is known for her strong work ethic and ninja dance moves.

The Union EDGE program provides a holistic, post-secondary education for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, encouraging increased independent skills that lead to a better quality of life and aligning with Union’s mission of providing Christ-centered education. EDGE is an acronym for employment training, daily living skills, godly focus and educational enrichment.

To learn more about the Union EDGE Program, visit uu.edu/programs/education/edge/.