Joan Koonmen Memorial Scholarship - AAUW La Crosse Branch

AAUW is a national organization that advances equity for women & girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW-La Crosse scholarship funds are managed and distributed by the La Crosse Community Foundation. AAUW-La Crosse will award at least one $1000 scholarship
and will consider potential to succeed in studies, financial need and special circumstances. Recipients may use this scholarship for education-related expenses during summer session or following academic year.

Joan-Marie Chevalier Koonmen graduated from Marygrove College, Detroit, in 1952, at age 20, with a BA in Art. She worked as topographical draftsman for the US Corps of Engineers. She also illustrated ads for Hudson’s in Detroit. She engaged in art and civic activities; served on the library board, hospital board, school board; helped Girl Scouts achieve arts badges; gave lectures on art history and tutored in math and reading; and served as an election judge.
Joan actively participated as a member of the AAUW La Crosse branch, finding fellowship that she relished until her death. She possessed the innate ability to recognize and nurture talents and aptitudes in people. She served as the first chair of Art Fair on the Green – the annual AAUW project that generates funding for college scholarships.

Eligibility {NOTE: The review committee will not review an incomplete application or a late arriving application}

1) An applicant must be an AAUW member or must be nominated by an AAUW – La Crosse Branch member.
2) If the applicant is a non-member, an applicant must provide a letter of support from the AAUW sponsor.
3) An applicant must be female 30 years of age or older.
4) An applicant must apply credits earned with the help of this scholarship toward a specific educational goal.
A person taking graduate courses toward an advanced degree can apply. A person taking courses in order to update or change careers can apply. A person taking courses for personal enrichment will not be considered.
5) An applicant must plan to enroll for the next academic year in an institution of higher education (excluding proprietary schools).
6) An applicant must provide a 300-500 word statement addressing the following:
A. educational goals;
B. financial need or special circumstances effecting educational progress. Include plans in place for financing the educational pathway.
C. personal efforts to break through barriers encountered in the course of life &/or future challenges.
7) An applicant must provide a letter of reference from a faculty advisor, teacher, or employer who knows the applicant well enough to address the applicant’s potential to succeed in higher education.
8) An applicant must include on a cover page the following information and signature.