AAUW Endows Scholarship

The Bradford Branch of the American Association of University Women has endowed a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

The $6,000 gift made by the group has been matched by the Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas Scholarship Challenge.

The scholarship will be awarded to a local student who reflects the values and mission promoted by the Bradford Branch of the AAUW. First preference is given to a Bradford Area High School student, then to a student attending a high school in McKean County.

The idea for the scholarship developed when AAUW treasurer Terri Smith Leven researched endowed scholarships as a possible investment to provide educational scholarships to talented individuals. She presented her findings to 2008 co-presidents Dr. Holly Spittler, associate dean of student affairs at Pitt-Bradford, and Flora Cohen. Members then voted to create an endowed AAUW-Bradford Branch Scholarship at Pitt-Bradford.

“A special relationship exists between the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the AAUW. Many of its members have attended, served on faculty or staff, and supported its growth, or take advantage of its many educational and cultural opportunities,” Spittler said. “Members of AAUW view the establishment of this endowed scholarship as the next logical step in further strengthening our relationship with Pitt-Bradford.”

The matching pledge from the Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas Scholarship Challenge ensures perpetual funding of the scholarship and provides added visibility for the organization while strengthening its relationship with the University. The branch will continue to fund a local AAUW scholarship for students related to an active member of the Bradford Branch.

Since 1881, AAUW has been the nation’s leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. On April 16, 1921, a spirited group of women founded the Bradford Branch of the American Association of University Women. Their mission is “to promote equity for women, education and self-development over the lifespan, and positive societal change.”

For more information on applying for this scholarship, contact the Pitt-Bradford Office of Financial Aid at 814-362-7550.

The Thomas Scholarship Challenge was made possible by a $1 million gift from Agnes L. Thomas. For as long as the funds last, the challenge will allow donors to double the amount of gifts between $5,000 and $50,000 to new or existing scholarships. The gifts must be paid within five years to be eligible. For example, a $5,000 gift pledged over five years will yield a $10,000 gift to endow a scholarship or add to a scholarship fund.

For information on contributing to the AAUW scholarship or the Thomas Scholarship Challenge, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (814) 362-5091 or e-mail Karen Buchheit, executive director of institutional advancement and managing director of the Bradford Educational Foundation at kpb@pitt.edu.

The photo, courtesy of Piit-Bradford, shows Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (center), celebrating the new American Association of University Women – Bradford Branch Scholarship with members of the AAUW, from left, Flora Cohen, Terri Smith Leven, Dr. Holly Spittler and Isabelle Champlin (co-president). Not pictured is co-president Patty Neidich.