AAUW ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Covid 19 meant that AAUW has not been able to hold its regular meetings but it did not deter the branch from awarding its scholarships. AAUW has a strong commitment to supporting educational opportunities and financial independence for women. Each year the group awards one scholarship to a student from Itasca Community College and a scholarship through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation.
The ICC scholarship is for a sophomore woman, 25 years or older, who is working toward an AA degree, with plans to complete a four-year program. The scholarship was established in 1996 with matching funds from a Blandin Foundation initiative. The ICC Scholarship recipient is LaNaya Allen-Abdulai. She is from Grand Rapids and is pursuing an Associate of Science in Accounting with future plans to earn a Bachelor degree through St. Scholastica. After receiving the scholarship LaNaya shared how much her life had changed in the past year. She returned to school in Fall 2019 taking 13 credits, making the Dean’s list with a 3.81 GPA. She credits ICC faculty members Nick Rothstein and Steve Kohorst with encouraging her to apply for scholarships and an internship with the City of Cohasset. The internship led to employment with the city. After making the Dean’s list again she was asked to give a speech at her graduation Zoom ceremony for the Accounting Program. LaNaya spent the spring homeschooling her 9-year old daughter, working part-time from home, and taking a Technical Writing block class through ICC. She is excited about continuing her education at St. Scholastica.
The GRACF Scholarship recipient is Desiree Rohling. Desiree graduated from Deer River High School in 2007 and is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Mankato State University. She is currently working at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital as a registered nurse where she says she has had the pleasure of working with mental health, gerieatrics, psot-partum obstetrics, pediatrics, and general medical/surgical patients of all ages. She has operated as a Charge Nurse, RN supervisor, and currently as a clinical preceptor to new employees. She is committed to essential healthcare in rural communities with an emphasis on primary prevention practices that improve health outcomes.
The GRACF scholarship fund was started in 2006 to support a non-traditional female student in her efforts to complete a college education. The scholarship is designed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Rapids Branch and to provide funding for women working to finish a degree or advance her education. The first scholarship was awarded in 2010.
Spring and summer programs were cancelled but the AAUW hopes to be able to proceed with regular programs in the fall. Several speakers have expressed a willingness to present their postponed programs. Interest groups such as Public Policy, Bridge, and Books are on hold due to safety requirements. The Walking Group has been meeting on a weekly basis for a walk while maintaining appropriate physical distances. The Grand Rapids area offers many wonderful trails and neighborhoods that offered enough space for group walks.
The mission of AAUW is advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. With a national membership of over 170,000 individuals in 1000 branches across the nation, AAUW members contribute to a more promising future and provide a powerful voice for women and girls. Additional information is available at www.aauw.org or at http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspot.com.
July 1 begins a new membership year; in principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. Branch membership is open to any individual who has an associate degree or equivalent, bachelor’s or higher degree, or is an undergraduate student enrolled in a two or four year institution. Marj Lavalier may be contacted for information at 218-326-2716 or gloriestoast@gmail.com.
Provided by
Karen Karls 326-2032
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