Universities Weblog

(Source: University of Oklahoma)Forget "The Scholar." Fifteen-year-old Katelyn Wilbanks from Catoosa, Oklahoma, received her "full ride" scholarship without having to undergo a battery of tests and challenges against stiff competition. Her own challenges, though, have been a bit more difficult.

Wilbanks was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that's resulted in 54 surgeries. Her left leg was amputated last year. Doctors expected her to die as a toddler, but she's continued to defy the odds.

Now she dreams of attending the University of Oklahoma, becoming a physician and helping others fight this disease. Thanks to the university and the "Today Show," that dream might just come true. On Tuesday's show, Wilbanks appeared on a segment called "Christmas in July." The university's president was on hand (along with the OU marching band) to present Wilbanks with a full scholarship. This, of course, assumes she'll be accepted; she's only a high school sophomore.

Was this a true act of generosity or a publicity gimmick for OU? Let's drop the cynicism and give the university the benefit of the doubt. Here's wishing Wilbanks the best of luck and OU a Big 12 title as its reward.

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