Ensuring Further Success

When Matthew Rodriguez, ba ’09, found himself in a position to give back, he knew right away where he wanted to make an impact. As a first-generation college student, he was familiar with the social and financial challenges that come along with being the first in the family to pursue a higher education. For this reason, he and his wife, Terra Rodriguez, established the Daniel Alan Wiggs Memorial Scholarship for first-generation Washburn University students in early 2025.

“The only reason I was able to attend college at Washburn was through a very generous scholarship,” Matthew said. “I always knew that if I ended up in a position where I could afford it that I would like to provide the same opportunity for someone else.”

Now living in Omaha, Nebraska, Matthew and Terra have both achieved professional success, with Terra working as a nurse anesthetist at a local hospital and Matthew a self-employed entrepreneur focused on real estate and other ventures. They each credit their education with their ability to achieve their goals.

“I think the general education emphasis at Washburn set me up for success in a lot of different avenues – being able to take in information, adjust it, synthesize it and figure out how it can be used in terms of figuring out a project at work or communicating with a coworker,” Matthew said. “The skills I got at Washburn have played a pivotal role in any success I’ve had in life.”

“Due to my career choice, I know that I can find a job anywhere,” Terra added. “If we ever move it will be very easy for me to find another job in my field. My education and career have offered me a lot of security and peace of mind.”

When Matthew announced his plans to create a scholarship at Washburn, Terra was quick to support him. He chose to name the fund after his best friend, Dan Wiggs, ba ’07, a fellow Washburn graduate and first-generation student who had a tremendous impact on Matthew’s life. Matthew met Wiggs his freshman year, and from then on the two were inseparable; they were even the best man at each other’s weddings. Wiggs died from cancer in 2023 shortly after helping Matthew navigate his own personal tragedy. 

“In between his diagnosis in 2022 and his death my first wife was killed in a car crash, and he played a big role in supporting me and my family through that difficult time,” Matthew said. “I got a chance to share with him exactly what he meant to me as a friend and the impact he had on me by watching the way he acted as a husband, father and employee.”

“I never met Dan, but I know how important he was to Matthew, and I think the scholarship is for a great cause,” Terra added. “I was able to attend college and take out parent plus loans when my husband wasn’t able to, so it’s something I maybe took for granted when I was younger. I think it’s very cool to be in a position to give back and help people.”

By creating a scholarship specifically for first-generation students, Matthew and Terra hope to help others alleviate some of the unique challenges Matthew faced, such as a lack of financial and institutional resources to fall back on. According to Sean Bird, dean, university libraries and the Center for Student Success, the social aspect of the scholarship is just as significant as the financial award. Having access to a higher education creates opportunities for socialization and networking that may otherwise be unavailable – and it helps build students’ confidence as well.

“A scholarship is a type of award, so students who receive one are being told that they have value and potential that people outside of their normal orbit recognize,” said Bird, ba ’91. “Building that confidence is crucial to being successful in college and creating a sense of belonging. First-generation scholarships allow students to come to college. They also reduce stress, provide resources and give graduates a head start when they begin their career.”

Going forward, Matthew and Terra continue to stay connected to Washburn not only through their scholarship fund but also by attending homecoming each year. He encourages other alumni who have achieved success to consider how they can help others reach the same heights.

“I think most alumni who have been through the university and experienced any kind of success can appreciate exactly the role Washburn played in that success,” Matthew said. “I think it makes a lot of sense to ensure that future generations can go out and achieve the same kind of track record that they have. For those of us who have been put in the position where we are able to give back, I feel like the best thing we can do is make sure it doesn’t just end with us.”