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| Keeping the Promise: Classified Staff Grant Fund
Mary Kemp has loved writing since she first learned to hold a pencil. In the fall of 2005, Kemp, an administrative assistant in UW-Eau Claire's foundations of education department, was the first recipient of the Classified Staff Grant. The grant from the UW-Eau Claire Foundation allowed Kemp to take a writing class at UW-Eau Claire as part of her work toward a bachelor's degree in English. Kemp says she is honored. "It says to me that the university values education for everyone. It's a tangible statement of support for our classified staff and a wonderful way to show appreciation for the jobs we do," Kemp said. The UW-Eau Claire Foundation's Classified Staff Grant Fund was established by Linda Haag and Susie Warden, past and current members of the classified staff, respectively. They established the fund to support classified staff members who are working and attending UW-Eau Claire. Haag and Warden understand the challenges of balancing work and pursuing an education, as both received their degrees while working full time at UW-Eau Claire. The grant makes the goal of earning a degree while working more attainable, Kemp said. "Going to school and working at the same time is a challenge. Finding the funds to support the education can seem like a mountain in front of you. This grant gives classified staff members the extra push and motivation to get started, or continue, along that path." Members of the Classified Grant Fund Committee noted Kemp was an easy choice for the award. "I was so pleased that Mary was our first recipient. She exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding UW-Eau Claire employee as well as student," said Barb Bowers, 2006 Classified Staff Grant Fund Committee member. "This grant is a wonderful opportunity for all of our classified staff members. I hope that many of our classified staff members apply and use this opportunity as a way to help support the important goal of a higher education degree." Any current member of the UW-Eau Claire classified staff who is working at least half time and attending UW-Eau Claire is eligible to apply. Past recipients may apply for additional awards. Applicants must submit a resume, a one-page essay addressing why support is needed, the course to be taken and two letters of recommendation. All materials must be submitted to Barb Bowers, payroll specialist, Human Resources, by 4:30 p.m. July 1, 2006 (for the fall 2006 scholarship) or 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 2006 (for the spring 2007 scholarship).
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