The members of the Women of the University Community (WUC) hosted a luncheon at the Genesee Grande Hotel on April 14 to celebrate the organization’s 90th anniversary and award scholarships to six phenomenal young women.
Women of the University Community award winners, from left: Holly Terpstra, Christine Kudrewicz, Vadra Skinkle, Lea Wolven and Sarah Calzada
For nearly a century, WUC members have supported scholarships across the community of institutions on “the Hill.” Established in 1927 and originally known as The Syracuse University Women’s Club, the Women of the University Community is open to everyone across Syracuse University, SUNY College of
Carrie Delvecchio
Environmental Science and Forestry and SUNY Upstate Medical University.
In addition, the WUC will be honored by CenterState CEO on Thursday, May 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. CenterState, an independent economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce, will present WUC President Esther Gray with a certificate of appreciation recognizing Women of the University Community’s 90 years of service to women in higher education in the community.
Mildred Eggers Award
The Mildred Eggers Award is given in memory of the wife of Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers in gratitude for her generous support of the Women of the University community. This award is presented to part-time students enrolled at University College to complete a degree program or to further their education. Selection is based upon academic ability, leadership qualities, the validity of the program pursued and financial need. Since its establishment, 47 students have been awarded this scholarship.
Mike Frasciello, dean of University College, noted that Mildred Eggers appreciated and supported the efforts and contibutions of women at the University and her legacy continues today through these scholarships. Frasciello presented the 2018-19 Mildred Eggers Award to:
Lea Wolven, a senior in the bachelor of professional studies-creative leadership program at University College. Her life experiences inspired and motivated her to return to school to continue her education. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Wolven plans to use the knowledge she gained to open the first integrative healing clinic in Syracuse.
“I would love to bring alternative approaches to this area and one day contribute charity towards women’s education and goals that have financial limitations,” says Wolven.
Vadra Skinkle is a sophomore in Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics earning a bachelor’s degree in social work. In 2012, Skinkle began an internship at the Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter, which sparked her passion for helping others. That internship transitioned to a part-time and then full-time position at the organization. While attending Syracuse University part time, she has been promoted three times within the last two years, reinforcing her desire to earn a degree in the field of social work. Her goal is to become the director of emergency and practical assistance at the Salvation Army.
Skinkle says, “I am a hardworking, motivated mother of four. I have worked at the Salvation Army in Emergency Services for the past six years. I am a junior studying Social Work. I plan on continuing my education and getting my master’s in social work.”
Carrie Delvecchio is a junior in the bachelor of professional studies-creative leadership program at University College. Delvecchio is on the dean’s list and a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.
“My aim is to set an example and continue to advocate that hard work does pay off to ensure a better future, no matter what age you decide to pursue your dream,” says Delvecchio.
Ruth Tolley Award
The Ruth Tolley Award is given in memory of the wife of Chancellor William P. Tolley, who was a past president of the Women of the University Community. This award was presented to two outstanding juniors in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics based upon demonstrated academic achievement, professional potential and financial need. Kate Veley, outgoing president of WUC and Falk College’s events and alumni manager, presented the Ruth Tolley Scholarship to:
Christine Kudrewicz is a sophomore majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences on the child life specialist track, as well as public health. She’s noted that at different points in her life she has encountered child life specialists and other health professionals who have greatly impacted the person she is today, thereby influencing her field of study. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to enroll in graduate school and pursue a career either as a certified child life specialist or as a mental health professional working with children with disabilities.
“I am currently thinking about continuing on to graduate school after I graduate in May of 2020,” says Kudrewicz. ” I hope to pursue a career working with children either as a child life specialist or within the mental health field.”
Holly Terpstra is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s in nutrition. She plans to further her studies with a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian. After previously receiving an associate’s degree in fine art, Terpstra wanted to use her passion for cooking and nutrition to help others, and returned to school to further her goals. She aspires to teach others what she has learned and hopes to show people that cooking can be fun and easy.
“Once I complete my bachelor’s, I will go on to apply for a dietetic internship to become an RDN,” Terpstra says. “I was born and raised in Syracuse and I look forward to being able to give back to the community through my love of nutrition.”
Beverly Whaley Award
Members of the Women of the University Community
The Beverly Whaley Award was established in honor of a current member of the Women of the University Community who is the wife of the past president of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). This scholarship is presented to a sophomore or junior female student at SUNY-ESF on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Beth Drew presented the Beverly Whaley Scholarship to:
Sarah Calzada, a senior from Bolton Landing, New York, studying environmental biology. Calzada is passionate about the Adirondack Mountains and conversation.
Calzada says, “I plan to use the money I have been awarded to continue my education and pursue a career in marine or freshwater conservation to protect degrading ecosystems in danger of losing their biodiversity. Eventually, I’d love to return home to the Adirondacks and contribute to biological research that supports the protection of the park.”
