(Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University)
3/21/19
THIBODAUX, La. — A local women’s nonprofit is expanding their support of Nicholls State University with the creation of an endowed scholarship for graduate students.
The Thibodaux-based TaWaSi has donated $12,000 to establish the TaWaSi Endowed Graduate Scholarship.
“We feel that the education of the students at Nicholls is so important to our community,” said Dr. Grace Monk Gueydan, TaWaSi member and retired Nicholls professor. “Educating our students is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things we can do.”
Beginning Spring 2020, recipients will receive $300 per semester for up to four consecutive semesters. Eligible students must be a full-time graduate student who meets the criteria for their selected master’s program curriculum, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and is a graduate from a Louisiana high school or accredited Louisiana university. Nicholls will collaborate with TaWaSi to select the student.
Increasing enrollment of graduate students is a priority of Nicholls president, Dr. Jay Clune.
Formed in 1947 as the TaWaSi Civic Club, the organization is made up of local women with a mission of giving back to the community. The organization took its name from a Native American word meaning “friends or helper.” Through various fundraisers, including their popular antiques show, the organization has contributed thousands to Bayou Region schools, charities and other projects benefiting the community.
Longtime supporters of Nicholls, the nonprofit has donated more than $100,000 since 2002, including endowed scholarships for undergraduates and students of The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute.
For more information, visit the Nicholls Office of Financial Aid site at www.https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/ or call 448-4411.
Among the donation, was a $5,000 gift to the Nicholls Greenhouse Renovation Project, specifically to purchase hydroponic garden towers. The project includes renovating the building into a classroom and kitchen space, adding hydroponic gardens, replacing the upstairs floor, raising the ceiling and adding raised garden beds outside of the greenhouse. Out of use since 2014, the facility will provide education and research opportunities for multiple programs across campus, including the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, Bridge to Independence and the biology department.
Members of TaWaSi applauded the involvement of the Bridge to Independence Students in the plans for the greenhouse.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2019
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
