Many college students are beginning their pursuits in higher education with private scholarships. Each year, millions of dollars are awarded to college students as a result of private gifts that flow from alumni and donors. These scholarships help universities compete for the best and brightest students. And the beneficiaries of these scholarships are many. Universities get what they want — good students. Students get what they want — funding for college. And the community gets something too.

Lauren Mareno, a senior at Kent State University and recipient of a Reach for Excellence scholarship, has been reaching into her community and is leading campus-wide efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society – an experience that has exposed her to new career opportunities. While she pursues a psychology degree and a certificate in non-profit management, Mareno — who lost her own father to cancer at the beginning of her freshmen year — serves as co-chair for the Relay for Life event. In April she saw the fruits of her labor blossom as more than 60 student groups participated in the 24-hour campus walkathon that raised more than $75,000.

Mareno sees more community outreach in her future and she is eager to continue raising funds for causes that are meaningful to her — and to so many others too.

CHICAGO: Hundreds of people took to Lake Michigan today to help raise money for leukemia research. They were participating in the 10th Annual Leukemia Cup Regatta.

CBS 2’s Suzanne Le Mignot spoke with a cancer survivor who took to the water this morning to raise money to find a cure.

This is 38-year-old Travis Wilhite. Looking at him, you’d never think just two years ago, he was fighting for his life. He was diagnosed with incurable Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Right now, he’s in remission.

“I realized at that point, that you know what, in order for me to continue to live like this,” said Wilhite, “to really cash in on the gift that I got of my cancer, that I needed to go out and help other people so they don’t have to go through that.”

Travis along with his wife and friends are taking part in the 10th Annual Leukemia Cup Regatta organized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They’re among the more than 600 people setting sail on Lake Michigan for the six-mile race.

There are more than 80 boats in the race. Each owner has collected donations. The goal is to raise at least $175,000, with the money going towards finding a cure for lymphoma and leukemia.

Before he set sail, Wilhite had this inspirational message for those battling cancer.

“Keep fighting, hang in there,” he said. “It does get better, I promise. You’re in my thoughts and prayers all the time and I wish you all the very, very best.”

Wilhite says raising awareness and money for cancer research is one of the greatest gifts he will ever leave behind.

In the 10 years the Leukemia Cup Regatta has taken place in Chicago, the event has raised about $1 million for research to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma.