“The endowment funds just reached the $25,000 level, so we can award about $500 this year,” said Sarah Howard, associate director of alumni relations. “We’re hoping the endowment will continue to grow.”
The Women’s Council was established in 2005. That same year, fund-raising began for the scholarship, one of many initiatives taken by the organization. “Council events are geared toward helping to prepare women students for life after college, as well as in networking and mentoring,” Howard said. Those goals are reflected in the council’s mission to “increase the influence of URI alumnae and female students in all aspects of life at the University” through special programs, fundraising and providing role models.
Currently, about 30 women are involved in the Women’s Council, including alumnae, faculty, staff members and students. “Money for the scholarship was raised mostly from women on the council, although there were a few gifts from other alumni,” Howard explained. “We’ve named it the Founders Scholarship.”
Women who are enrolled at URI and meet the criteria can apply for the scholarship by calling at 401.874.2438. For further information on the Women’s Council, call that same number, or go to advance.uri.edu/alumni. To make a tax-deductible gift to the scholarship fund, click https://secure.gal.org/05/URIWomensCouncil.