Tuesday, November 5, 2024 80

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Durango, Colo.— The American Association of University Women (AAUW) awarded Shandyn Gee the organization’s fourth fully endowed scholarship at Fort Lewis College (FLC). This scholarship for non-traditional students at FLC supports women in education, emphasizing AAUW’s commitment to advancing women’s educational opportunities.

“I was so happy for the AAUW scholarship. It came to me at a time when I wasn’t sure I was able to continue,” said Gee, from Glendale, Ariz. “The scholarship allowed me to stay in school, and I am excited to graduate in May with a degree in engineering."

Funding for the Sandy Brown Endowed Scholarship began in 2019 to honor the many contributions of lifetime local member Sandy Brown. This is the fourth endowed scholarship the Durango AAUW has provided to the FLC Foundation to assist qualified candidates who embrace the AAUW's mission of promoting gender equity and educational advancement for women. The scholarships provide the recipients with $750 each semester.

Faye Schrater, the current Durango AAUW president, said the first scholarship was endowed in 2008.

“Since then, the FLC Foundation has been able to award approximately $35,000 in AAUW scholarship endowments to 18 nontraditional women students,” Schrader said. “Our long-standing relationship with FLC is important in fulfilling our mission to advance equity for women and girls through research, education, philanthropy, and advocacy.”

The Durango AAUW presented the FLC Foundation with a check for $25,000 to create the American Association of University Women Sandy Brown Scholarship during the FLC Foundation Benefactor’s Brunch on September 28. The Benefactor’s Brunch is an annual event hosted by the FLC Foundation to thank donors for supporting student scholarships and to introduce the students who benefit from that support.

Sandy Brown joined AAUW in 1969 and served as Chapter President from 1978-80 and 1982-83. Brown also served as AAUW Chapter Scholarship Chair for 42​​​​​​​ years, establishing a solid relationship with FLC. When asked about chairing the Scholarship Committee, Brown stated, “The AAUW President asked me to chair the committee in 1974. I've felt it's the most important thing our branch does, especially with the increased cost of education.” 

In related news, Kaori Takano, Ph.D., professor of International Business, is FLC’s new representative for the AAUW Durango. Professor Takano is working as a Katz School of Business faculty member with another AAUW representative, Marnie Thomson, Ph.D., to support FLC students in collaboration with AAUW Durango.