Women and Gender Studies offers first scholarship ever

Utah State University’s women and gender studies program is now accepting applications for its Alison Comish Thorne Scholarship.

As the first scholarship ever offered in this program, it will honor Thorne’s lifelong leadership in women’s issues on campus and throughout Cache Valley, Brenda Cooper, director of WGS, said.

“Her name is synonymous in establishing women’s rights,” said Janet Osborne, director of the USU Women’s Center. “She was a primary force in establishing the WGS program and the Women’s Center.”

Thorne worked at USU since 1965 and died Oct. 23, 2004. Her five children and her close friends wanted to do something to remember her life. The scholarship is being completely funded through their monetary donations.

“She was such a vital force in the community,” Cooper said. “It’s honoring Alison.”

This is an ongoing scholarship offered to an undergraduate WGS minor or area studies concentration student, with special consideration given to students actively engaged in women’s issues. The scholarship recipient will be awarded $500 per semester beginning fall semester 2006.

“It’s a really good leadership opportunity for a young woman,” Osborne said.

Students who receive the scholarship will work closely with the Women’s Center director to promote WGS, Cooper said.

Applications will be reviewed by a seven-member steering committee made up of faculty from the WGS program. Donations for the scholarship can be directed to the USU Women’s Center.

Students in the WGS program can also apply for the Pam Riley Student Travel Award, which is directed toward bettering the social and economic status of women both at home and abroad, according to the WGS Web site.

Recipients will receive $500 after submitting a research proposal related to WGS.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship or the award can visit the WGS Web site at www.usu.edu/womenstu/. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 15.

-mmackay@cc.usu.edu

Alison C. Thorne