College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services

Dean Larry Johnson says the annual college reception for scholarship recipients is one of the most important events of the year. With a reverence for philanthropic legacy, along with a firm belief in the transformative power of scholarships in students' lives, Dean Johnson presents each student with his or her scholarship award at an event at which their families and donors join them.

The college has more than 50 named scholarships, funded by donors such as Mary Louis Schroth, who established a scholarship in 1998 and another one in 2002.

What do scholarships mean to your college?

Our college is all about preparing students to go out into the world and positively impact the lives of others. The scholarships that our donors establish accelerate students on this trajectory, from preparing them to be successful teachers to making a difference in the communities where they teach.

What do scholarships mean to students?

Nothing fills my heart more than to see students receive awards that will make all the difference in the world to them. With the many challenges that entering students face today, scholarships alleviate that burden and allow them to focus on their goals.

Supporting a future teacher creates a ripple effect that will impact generations of children to come. A well-prepared teacher, who goes on to impact countless students' lives, is something you can't put a price tag on.

What do you think donors find appealing about scholarships?

To use Mary Louise Schroth as an example, she was a woman with a real world view, who wanted to instill that in future generations. Scholarship funds like the ones she provided directly enable students who, without the additional support, might never achieve that dream of becoming a teacher. Hopefully, they are inspired with the same spirit Mary Louise brought to teaching and education. I think that same spirit of achieving multi-generational impact with a gift is compelling to most, if not all, donors.