By Trey Melcher
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 29, 2018) — The University of Kentucky Woman’s Club (UKWC) awarded $30,000 in scholarships to three students for the 2018-2019 school year. The recipients are Angela Chester, Michelle Kuiper and Lauren Spencer. Each will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
Angela Chester, recipient of the UK Woman’s Club Scholarship
Chester is a biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has made the Dean’s List two times and is a member of both the National Honors Fraternity and Phi Sigma Pi. Chester has work-study responsibilities with the Veteran’s Resource Center and serves as a tutor for Student Support Services, where she is also a teaching assistant.
Chester, a veteran, says she’s grateful for her support network including, “my mother, Sherry; my granny, Sherrill; Student Support Services; the Veteran’s Resource Center; and really everyone who has smiled at me or said something encouraging when I needed it. Thank you!”
Michelle Kuiper, recipient of the UK Woman’s Club Gloria Singletary Scholarship
Kuiper is a a gender and women’s studies major with a minor in criminology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has helped to create a safer Kentucky by working to pass laws and policies for people victimized by crimes and was the recipient of the 2018 National Courage Award from the United States Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime.
"Many people here at UK have been incredibly kind to me," Kuiper said. "To be awarded this scholarship and follow in the footsteps of UKWC women before me is such an honor. In receiving this scholarship, I hope to continue to pay it forward to women and girls who have been victimized by crimes and give them hope and inspiration that it is possible to go back to college if they desire."
Lauren Spencer, recipient of the UK Woman’s Club Virginia Lane Scholarship
Spencer is a career and technical education major in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. She is a participant in the UK Horticulture Club and has completed a 200-hour working apprenticeship on the UK Horticulture Research Farm. Spencer is currently working on her startup cut flower business.
“The path to becoming a first generation of anything is not an easy one," Spencer said. “To become a farmer, a female entrepreneur, a first-generation college graduate, a military veteran, these decisions have shaped my character and altered my life path. I am proud to represent that niche that consists of these nontraditional minority students. Many thanks to the UKWC for this incredible scholarship that acknowledges the power of women in leadership.”
Established in 1909, UKWC’s goal is to provide social networking, offer cultural opportunities, provide supportive services to students, and help advance the best interests of the university. Since 1973, the UKWC has provided more than $650,000 in student aid that has helped over 268 students obtain degrees from UK. Each year, the UKWC provides funds for up to full tuition undergraduate scholarships and in partnership with the UK Graduate School has established an endowment that provides graduate fellowships awarded annually as well as graduate fellowships and UK education abroad scholarships. Consideration for these awards are given to women with unmet financial needs and who are nontraditional UK students. For more information on how to apply for these scholarships visit ukwc.org.
UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue
