Watch: EWU official grants mother’s day wish on “The View” Friday

Eastern Washington University was a star of “The View” talk show Friday, when an official with the university foundation surprised a teenager with a full scholarship to the Cheney school.

A single mother from Port Orchard, Washington, and her four teenagers – all of whom she fostered, then adopted as babies and toddlers – were invited to appear on the show as part of a mother’s day special.

Cynthia Nunley said her daughter, 18-year-old Tabitha Nunley, had been accepted to EWU but the cost would be a struggle on her salary as a special education teacher.

Then EWU Foundation director Michael Westfall stood up in the audience and surprised the family with the announcement that Tabitha will receive a full ride scholarship for four years. Tabitha, her mother and Westfall teared up at that news.

EWU President Mary Cullinan “really understands the situation Cynthia and so many families around the country are dealing with,” Westfall said, noting Cullinan started an “Inspire Awesome” campaign to raise money for scholarships.