Reagen O’Brien, an incoming student at Bluffton University, has been awarded the Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship, valued at more than $16,000 over four years.

O’Brien, of Bellbrook, Ohio, is the daughter of Christopher and Mallory O’Brien and will graduate from Bellbrook High School this year. She volunteers and is active in softball, basketball cheerleading, competition cheerleading and National Honor Society. At Bluffton, O’Brien plans to study biology. 

Austin E. Knowlton was the owner of Knowlton Construction Company, established in Bellefontaine in 1937. During his lifetime, he designed more than 600 buildings, including more than 160 college and university buildings across Ohio. He was widely recognized for his philanthropic leadership, including his special interest in supporting education. The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation continues to carry on his interest in providing support for higher education.

Knowlton Scholars will have special opportunities to work alongside faculty members, interact with campus speakers and attend off-campus conferences.

The Knowlton Scholarship at Bluffton is awarded to two high-achieving residents of Ohio who major in STEM-related fields. The scholarship is granted in addition to Bluffton University’s academic merit scholarships.