A Columbus man was in the audience of thousands of admirers during the taping of Tuesday's Oprahepisode.
Rob Eskridge said the television show host helped make him the man he is today, 10TV's AndreaCambern reported.
After his first year at Morehouse College, Eskridge ran out of funds and was on the verge ofleaving school and giving up his dream.
The school's financial aid director, who recognized his drive and determination, handed him aletter.
"And I looked at the letter and it said I was awarded a scholarship, paid for retroactive, ittook care of loans took out my first year, paid for by Oprah Winfrey," Eskridge said. "That I wasan Oprah Winfrey Scholar, and it blew my mind."
Winfrey has funded 400 Morehouse scholarships in 20 years.
Hundreds of the grateful recipients were in the audience for Tuesday's show.
"It was absolutely amazing, to be in Chicago and honor this great woman who performed this greatact of generosity toward us, it was absolutely amazing, it was indescribable," Eskridge said.
Eskridge graduated with a degree in sociology and mathematics, then went on to get his lawdegree and is now an Ohio Assistant Attorney General.
Eskridge's scholarship was worth $120,000 and there were no strings attached.
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