March 06, 2008

Donations sought for 'Our Mothers Scholarship'

by Stacey Vinson

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Honor your mother, grandmothers or other women who have made a significant and lasting impact in your life by making a donation of $500 or more to "Our Mothers Scholarship." A minimum of 10, $500 gifts are needed in order for the first $5,000 "Inspiring Women Our Mothers Scholarship" to be awarded.

At the Southern Illinois University Carbondale 2008 Inspiring Women's Scholarship Gala, set for Oct. 18, the inaugural "Our Mothers Scholarship" will be awarded to a student who meets scholastic qualifications, has financial need and has demonstrated community involvement. Those to be honored through gifts to the Our Mothers Scholarship fund may be living or deceased. A special program book at the gala will feature "Your Mother's" picture and tribute statement. In addition, a star will be displayed with "Your Mother's" picture and name as a featured part of the gala decorations. This honor may be bestowed once or annually by making a $500 donation each year.

The Inspiring Women's Program funds scholarships to recognize academic achievement, leadership and extracurricular involvement and to encourage individuals to attain high levels of educational and professional achievement.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Jean Paratore at 618/453-1339 or paratore@siu.edu, or visit the Inspiring Women Web site at www.siuc.edu/inspiringwomen.