Scholarships in honor of Gladys Burns, a founder of our congregation in 1952, will begin rolling out next fall at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC)! An intense, six-month effort by the League of Women Voters of Thurston County and the college has raised over $33,000, surpassing the initial goal of $28,000.
Heartfelt thanks go to members of the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation who participated in this community-wide project.
The “Hope and Opportunity” scholarships will help financially needy applicants to achieve their career goals. Gladys worked tirelessly to help people in need. Many of Thurston County’s safety net agencies and programs resulted from her labors. This scholarship program is a fitting tribute to her singular focus and dedication to social justice and community empowerment.
As an endowed scholarship, the monies will be invested and grow, and ensure that Gladys’ name and example are remembered into the future. Additional gifts will broaden the impact of the program. If you would like to support this scholarship, you may send your donation to the South Puget Sound Foundation, 2011 Mottman Rd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512. Be sure to write Gladys Burns on the memo line. Questions? Call the office at 360 586-3310. Gifts are tax-exempt.
This update about the Gladys Burns project has been brought to you by the “Brainstormers” who launched it with a $3000 bequest left by Gladys: Pat Dickason, Carol McKinley, Emily Ray, Karen Tvedt, and Karen Verrill—all members of the LWVTC and three-fifths OUUC members
