Scholarships support and recognize the need for advancing educational opportunities for women
DENVER – Continuing a tradition of empowering and educating women, The Women’s College of the University of Denver and the Women’sVision Foundation have announced the 2010-2011 Vision Scholarship honorees. The four scholarship recipients are Jacquise Gary, Amy Ruppeck, Ruth Starr, and Teri Thompson.
This year’s winners will be presented at the 2010 Women’s Success Forum on Wednesday, October 20th. The Vision Scholarships cover half-tuition throughout the student’s undergraduate career.
“I am inspired and awed by the stories and the motivation of these four women. I am extremely proud of the commitment and dedication they bring to their jobs, their communities and to their families,” says Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D, dean of The Women’s College.
She notes that The Women’s College and the Women’sVision Foundation are united by a shared vision that every woman deserves the opportunity to dream, flourish and accomplish their goals. “Until we have a society where both men and women are deeply engaged in making decisions about the important issues of the day, there needs to be places that educate and empower women,” Gangone says. She also says that the goal of the Vision Scholarships is to provide the support and overcome the obstacles that might deter women from pursuing an education.
Jacquise Gary was convinced that college was beyond her ability and means, and never dreamed of winning a scholarship. She wants to set an example for her family.
Amy Ruppeck postponed returning to college in favor of raising her children. Now that it’s her turn, Amy believes a degree in Business Administration will make her more competitive.
Ruth Starr will be the first in her family to go to college. The Vision Scholarship will provide the opportunity she needs to earn her degree in Law and Society.
Teri Thompson is ready for her next challenge and sees her degree in Communication with a minor in Law and Society as a launching pad for what happens next.
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The Women’s College of the University of Denver is the only all-women’s higher education program in the Rocky Mountain region. The Women’s College provides adult women the opportunity to earn bachelor’s degrees and certificates by taking classes on the weekends, evenings and in a blended-online format. The Women’s College offers four baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, Communication, Information Technology Studies and Law and Society. For more information about The Women’s College, to attend the open house, or to set up a private appointment with an admissions counselor, visit http://womenscollege.du.edu or call 303-871-6848.
Additional Information about each Vision Scholarship recipient:
Jacquise Gary
Jacquise Gary thought that she was ready to take on the world when she left high school early. It didn’t take long before she realized her mistake and earned her GED. As a single mom to 2-year-old Javion, Jacquise didn’t want to limit her son’s future. She was also convinced that college was beyond her ability and means, and never dreamed of winning a scholarship. As an HR Generalist, she would like to become certified. She has entered the dual degree Business Administration program, and will earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees upon graduation.
Amy Ruppeck
Amy Ruppeck is an Investigator with the Economic Crime Unit of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. She has worked patrol, in the schools, and as a SWAT hostage negotiator. Her goal is to work her way up the ranks within the District Attorney’s Office. The mother of two, Alex (19) and Brittany (17), Amy postponed returning to college in favor of raising her children. Now that it’s her turn to go back to school, Amy believes a degree in Business Administration will make her more competitive as she advances through her career.
Ruth Starr
Ruth Starr, mother of Jessica (20) and Tyler (18) will be the first in her family to go to college. A Native American, Ruth earned her R.N. from the Presbyterian School of Nursing in Denver. Currently a Health Navigator, she works with elders and youths. It’s always “been in her nature” to give back, which is why she wants to be a health advocate, serving her community and empowering people to achieve better health and lifestyle choices. The Vision Scholarship will provide the opportunity she needs to earn her degree in Law and Society.
Teri Thompson
Mother of two, Chelsie (13) and Kaitlyn (9), she is a woman of vision and passion. If she finds a need for something that doesn’t exist, she will create it. An Office Manager with Service Uniform, she has been with the company for 16 years, advancing through a series of management positions. She says that “The Women’s College is a source of inspiration and has ‘ignited’ a fire under her.” Teri sees her degree in Communication with a minor in Law and Society as a launching pad for what happens next, and an opportunity to change not only her life, but that of others too.
Contact: Kim DeVigil
Phone: (303) 871-2775
E-mail: Kim.DeVigil@du.edu