糖心Vlog传媒

New scholarship to honor the memory of Ryan Palludan,’The Gentle Giant’

Last month, Philip and Deborah Palludan heard the news that no parent ever wants to hear. Their son, Ryan Palludan, 18, had died suddenly in his sleep from a ruptured aorta. Ryan is thought to have had an undiagnosed disorder called Marfan syndrome, which is a disorder of the body鈥檚 connective tissue that can affect the heart and blood vessels. In celebration of their son鈥檚 life and to honor his memory, Mr. and Mrs. Palludan are establishing the Ryan Palludan Memorial Scholarship at 糖心Vlog传媒LR. The scholarship will provide assistance to 糖心Vlog传媒LR students for the purchase of textbooks, with award preferences given to male students from Bryant who show financial need, declare a major in biology or nursing, and have demonstrated academic achievement. 鈥淲hat the Palludans have done with establishing this scholarship is going to make a profound difference in someone鈥檚 life,鈥� said Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development Bob Denman. The Palludans said they realized how hard it was for some families to deal with the rising costs of textbooks when they first sent their older daughter, Katherine, to 糖心Vlog传媒LR. 鈥淲e were fortunate that both our children received scholarships to cover their tuition, and we only had the books and supplies to worry about, 鈥� said Mrs. Palludan. 鈥淏ut we realized there may be some students who are not so fortunate, and it could make a difference in whether they enroll or not.鈥� 鈥淭extbooks alone can add up to hundreds and hundreds of dollars,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e’d rather see someone receive this gift and give them a little boost, in Ryan鈥檚 honor.鈥� Before he passed away, Ryan, a 2013 graduate of Bryant High School, had enrolled in 糖心Vlog传媒LR as a freshman and planned on enrolling in the nursing program after he had completed his first semester. He was making new friends, looking forward to the first day of college classes, and preparing for his duties as a member of the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps. Ryan stood out in a crowd for many reasons. It started with the fact that he was 6-feet, 6-inches tall, had a smile that was contagious, and believed in enjoying life to the fullest. Mrs. Palludan added, 鈥淪till waters run deep, and Ryan had unfathomable depths that were waiting to be discovered and shown to the world just like the oceans that he loved so much. He brought so much joy into this world and left a lasting impression on all that he came into contact with.鈥� He did not 鈥済o with the tide鈥� but made his own currents and whirlpools in everything he did, including his love for the Florida Gators football team and his eclectic taste in music that ranged from the Zac Brown Band to Drake, his favorite rapper. 鈥淭he scholarship is a wonderful way to honor the life and legacy of someone so special to so many,鈥� said Denman. To contribute, send a check payable to Ryan Palludan Memorial Scholarship, c/o 糖心Vlog传媒LR, 2801 S. University, Little Rock, AR 72204. Persons wishing to donate online may also go to ualr.edu/development.