Beginning on Feb. 27, Student Senate has been offering scholarships to Elizabethtown College students. These scholarships were published on Canvas and are available for all students, both to nominate others for the scholarships and to apply for them themselves. All applications are due on Canvas on Monday, March 13, by the day’s end. These scholarships are meant to benefit Etown students in need of financial aid, as well as to honor students for certain academic and extracurricular achievements. There is also an award under the scholarship category that is meant for an outstanding Etown faculty member. This article will review a few of the scholarships offered by Senate, in addition to discussing student response.
The Tom Bowersox Scholarship, which is one of the many available for applicants, is meant as a reward for a student who has positively impacted the lives of other Etown students through their actions. While this scholarship in particular is not based on academic achievement, it does focus on an integral part of college life, that being social engagement and plans to reward a student who makes a difference outside the classroom.
Sponsored by Student Senate itself, the 2023 Lisa L. Koogle Scholarship is intended for a student who shows exemplary leadership skills in affecting members of the Etown community as a whole. In the amount of $500, this award’s recipient should be a well-rounded individual who can be seen excelling in co-curricular activities.
The Ginger Groff Scholarship is in honor of the late Ginger Groff, who was the Director of Health Services here at the College for over 10 years. She was dedicated to her job and the students of this campus and was a strong advocate all throughout her years of service. Groff passed away in 1994, succumbing to her second recurrence of breast cancer. This scholarship is meant for a student who demonstrates intentions to follow a career path in the healthcare field, whether that be medicine, allied health or mental health-related areas.
Another scholarship Student Senate is offering is intended for a student employee who is dedicated to both their employment and scholastic activities. The fact that Senate means to offer money to a student who has crafted an effective work-study balance just goes to show that diligence and dedication are rewarded on the College campus.
When asked about the scholarships Student Senate is offering, Etown students responded positively. One student commented, “I know a few people personally who could use something like this, so it’s really helpful in my eyes.” Another student added, “I’m definitely applying for a few of these,” demonstrating further positive reaction to the availability of scholarship money. All students interviewed expressed the idea that students on Etown’s campus both need and deserve opportunities to apply for scholarships, solidifying the idea that this is a commendable effort brought on by Student Senate, one which all students should take advantage of if possible.
