Following his enlistment in the military, Shannon Bibbee, BA ’99, returned to Athens to begin a new job. That decision led him to his future wife and fellow Bobcat, Amanda, BSJ ’05, changing his life forever. (Shannon earned a B.A. in History from the College of Arts & Sciences.)
Shannon and Amanda Bibbee created OHIOMatch scholarships in honor of their daughter, Paige who passed away when she was six days old. Shannon, left, holds son, Patrick, who is Paige’s fraternal twin. Amanda, right, holds the couple’s second son, Dylan.
Photo courtesy of: Bibbee Family
Ever since, the couple has created endless memories, including joyous moments like saying their vows just 11 months after Amanda’s OHIO graduation. Unfortunately, the couple has experienced extreme hardships, too, like the death of their 6-day-old daughter in 2011.
In memory of their daughter, Paige, the couple has established two OHIO Match™ scholarships, the Paige Ryan Bibbee Memorial Scholarship in Communication and the Paige Ryan Bibbee Memorial Scholarship in Arts & Sciences, to honor their daughter while helping fellow Bobcats enrolled in the couple’s former colleges.
“I want to leave a legacy in my daughter’s memory, as it would have been my sincere hope she would have been a Bobcat herself. By doing this, she’ll make a difference in others’ lives forever,” said Shannon, who is currently an officer in the Army Reserve.
For two years, Amanda struggled to get pregnant, wondering if a positive end was in sight. Then, the couple received the exciting news: Amanda was pregnant with not just one, but two babies – a boy and a girl.
Read the rest of the story in Compass: Bibbees commemorate daughter through Match scholarships
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