MACON – Mercer University student Vanessa Braswell, who is pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership in Penfield College, was selected as this year's recipient of a $1,000 scholarship provided by the local branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
The AAUW is a national grassroots organization working to improve the lives of women and their families since 1881. The organization offers programs in research, campus leadership, STEM education, public policy, case support, educational funding, global connections, member leadership and salary negotiation.
The AAUW's Macon branch awards a scholarship each year to a non-traditional female college student enrolled in a local institution. Eligible students are required to be in the final year of their degree program and be in good standing academically by current university and financial aid standards.
“The Penfield College faculty and I are proud of Ms. Braswell and grateful to AAUW for providing the scholarship in recognition of her achievement to date and her capacity for continued leadership in the years to come,” said Dr. Priscilla Danheiser, dean of the College.
A single mother raising two children with a full-time job, Braswell enrolled at Mercer having previously earned her associate's degree. She quickly earned the attention of her professors for her aptitude in writing and was recommended for creative writing classes.
She hopes to become a professional writer and would like to continue her education in organizational leadership to be more effective in her church work with Glorious Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she holds several offices.
“I have always been a dreamer with grand ideas of accomplishing great things, and if a dream is to become reality, it must be vigorously pursued. Thanks to the AAUW scholarship, my dream of obtaining my degree is closer to becoming my reality,” said Braswell.
For more information on the AAUW, visit www.aauw.org.
