The Way Up Planning Council is asking for nominations for the Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship Program. The Eunice A. Dell Memorial Fund was established in 2008 to provide support for young professional women to participate in The Way Up Conference. Eunice Dell, who served as Assistant Vice President for Administration and Finance and Assistant Vice President/Faculty and Staff Disabilities Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa, was a key figure in planning many of The Way Up conferences, serving as the Program Chair for the XX and XXI conferences. The Scholarship covers the conference registration and one night's stay in the conference hotel. This years winner will be announced during the conference.
Eligibility
Young professional women (=< age 30) in any higher education institution in Iowa who aspire to moving up in higher education leadership or administration may apply or be nominated for this scholarship.
Process
Nominations or applications should include the name, address, phone number and email address of the candidate, a one page statement addressing the young professionals interest in an administrative or leadership position in higher education and what she hopes to gain from participation in this conference. After selection, the scholarship recipient must submit the text of a three minute presentation to be made at the Thursday lunch. The topic of the presentation will be "Cultivating a Culture of Women Empowering Women in Higher Education - A Young Professional Woman's Perspective."
Send Scholarship materials to:
Darlas Shockley
Indian Hills Community College
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501
641-683-5174
darlas.shockley@indianhills.edu
Due: Electronic submission only no later than October 10, 2019.
Notification will be made on or about October 20, 2019.
Contributions
Prior to June, 2008, Eunice had been an integral and valued part of the planning and implementation of The Way Up Conference. The conference, begun in 1983, was designed to develop women leaders to enhance Iowa higher education.
Many times, Eunice was heard to say “I am attending The Way Up Conference so I can continue to offer my expertise to the young women on their way up in higher education. I believe I can help them.”
And so it was with much sadness that the Way Up Planning Council heard of Eunice’s death in 2008. At the time, they immediately decided to set up a Memorial Fund in Eunice’s name to give a scholarship to a young professional woman who wished to enhance her leadership and administration skills by attending the annual The Way Up conference. The scholarship would be a way to allow Eunice to continue with her wish of helping young professional women.
Although the original funds are now diminishing, the Way Up Planning Council wishes to continue the Scholarship in Eunice’s name. We believe that Eunice’s memory can continue through an ongoing Scholarship in her name.
The recipient of the 2018 Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship was a young professional woman working at Indian Hills Community College. Here is what she had to say about her experience:
“This was my first time attending the Way Up Conference. Before attending, my coworkers shared stories of their wonderful experiences from past conferences with me. After acquiring my own first-hand knowledge, I understand why they couldn’t resist talking about them. The sessions I attended were packed with useful information that I could bring back and share at my institution. I was amazed to see women from diverse backgrounds and experiences express a common goal: to go back better prepared to serve our students. The Way Up Conference is a beautiful network of support and inspiration that allows women to leave feeling refreshed, up-lifted, and ready to make a difference. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”
The recipient of the 2017 Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship was a young professional woman working at the University of Northern Iowa. Here is what she had to say about her experience:
"I couldn't be more grateful for receiving this scholarship and having the opportunity to attend the Way Up Conference. It was an outstanding chance to connect with so many inspiring women throughout the state. The sessions and speakers did an amazing job of balancing opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and networking. The conference was a highlight of my year, and the things I learned continue to help me build and improve my leadership skills every day. It was a joy to participate and I've loved being able to share what I learned with my colleagues! I would absolutely recommend this opportunity for all women in higher education!” Cristy Steffen
The recipient of the 2016 Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship was a young professional woman working at Buena Vista University. Here is what she had to say about her experience:
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the Way Up conference. The panels I attended were exceptional, and the keynote speakers gave valuable advice. I had the opportunity to network with inspirational women in higher education, and gained beneficial insight in my future career. I have shared my experience and the notes I have written throughout the conference with women who are in student leadership positions. With this, I hope to inspire more BVU colleagues to pursue leadership roles in their undergraduate careers.” Michelle Eccher
If you would like to donate to the Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship fund, you may contact:
Doreen Hayek, Co-Chair of The Way Up Planning Council
319-273-7300; doreen.hayek@uni.edu
UNI; 120 ITTC Bldg; Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0301
Make checks out to The Way Up Scholarship Fund