In 2025, Wills and her husband, Ron, created the Wills Family Study Abroad Scholarship, which supports funding for first-generation college students to study abroad. This fund encourages first-generation college students to continue to push their horizons by removing financial barriers.
"I want to support first-generation students who either don't have the resources or the possibility of going abroad because it really does open up your eyes a lot, said Wills.
As someone who became a traveler after college, Wills' gift doesn't only provide a way to give back but allows her to realize her dreams through other students.
"While I was at UC, I would walk around the halls going to class, and I'd see these big posters that said ‘Study Abroad! Apply Here!' and I looked at those and I thought ‘Wow!' But then I thought, ‘No, we can't afford any of that, I'm not even going to bring it up to my dad.' And I didn't. So that always stuck with me, I still remember those posters,” she said.
When it came time to create her scholarship, Wills knew exactly what she wanted to do, "I want to support first-generation students who either don't have the resources or the possibility of going abroad because it really does open up your eyes a lot,” she said.
Connecting every student
Starting in fall 2026 semester, the Wills' scholarship will support one first-generation student annually, with $2,000 to alleviate travel or housing costs during their study abroad experience.
Anne Fugard, EdD, executive director of study abroad at UC, understands the incredible importance of a gift like this.
"An international experience can open students' eyes to new cultures and new possibilities for their future, but financial barriers—especially for first-generation students—can put these study experiences out of reach. We're so grateful for donors like the Wills, who help us provide more Bearcats with these life-changing opportunities.”
Each year, more than 1,700 UC students choose to study abroad. With travel options ranging from a week to a year in over 50 countries, all students can find the perfect opportunity for them. Wills' gift opens new doors to students, providing them new means with which to change their lives.
"I really want first-gen students who have need to expand their perspectives on life. The whole point of going to college is to develop...study abroad will really shape you during that time while you're there as an undergraduate,” said Wills.
Finding fresh eyes
When asked about her travel advice to future scholarship recipients, Wills laughed about her first experience with culture shock moving from Cincinnati to Florida. Although it wasn't another country, the lesson she took home was just as valuable.
"When you go overseas, don't take America with you and complain, but instead understand how things work there, and appreciate that,” she said. "Go in with an inquisitive mind. Get to know the people and do your best to understand the culture.”
Wills reminds students studying abroad to take hold of opportunities: "Don't feel like you need to wait till you grow up, I don't think I'll ever grow up.”
As first-generation students step onto UC's campus, Wills' gift gives them the ability to say yes, allowing them to grow in ways they might've never expected.
Featured image at top: UC students outside the 1mpact House for first-generations students. Photo: Chris Radcliffe for the UC Foundation.