May 6, 2011

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Catholic Charities partner for scholarship

David Siler, executive director of the archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic Charities and Family Ministries, left; Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the archdiocese; Dottie King, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College; and John Etling, agency director for Catholic Charities Terre Haute, are pictured on April 27 after announcing a unique scholarship partnership between Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and Catholic Charities Terre Haute. (Submitted photo)

David Siler, executive director of the archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic Charities and Family Ministries, left; Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the archdiocese; Dottie King, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College; and John Etling, agency director for Catholic Charities Terre Haute, are pictured on April 27 after announcing a unique scholarship partnership between Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and Catholic Charities Terre Haute. (Submitted photo)

Special to The Criterion

SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS—Helping to make a college education more accessible, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and Catholic Charities Terre Haute have teamed up to award an annual scholarship.

The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College/Catholic Charities Terre Haute Scholarship is designed to help clients of Catholic Charities, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to further their education, to earn a degree at Saint Mary-of-the Woods College.

“It is a privilege to participate in this partnership with Catholic Charities, an organization that makes significant contributions to strengthen our community,” said Dottie L. King, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. “We are proud to work with Catholic Charities to put a college education within reach to students who demonstrate a drive and commitment to education, without limitation due to cost.”

Beginning during the 2011-12 academic year, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will award a full-tuition scholarship to one person each year for enrollment in its campus, distance or graduate programs. The applicant must meet all college admission requirements. Depending upon the program, the value of the scholarship may be up to $110,000.

“We are committed to helping our community,” said John Etling, agency director for Catholic Charities Terre Haute. “The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College/ Catholic Charities Terre Haute Scholarship is very exciting because it will make a difference not only to the recipient, but it will make a difference for an entire family, which ultimately empowers our community.”

An agency of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Catholic Charities Terre Haute provides support to families, the homeless and others in need in the Wabash Valley.

Its services range from providing the basic needs of safe shelter, food and clothing to crisis intervention, tutoring, computer training and organized sports.

The programs offered include:

  • Bethany House;
  • Ryves Youth Center;
  • Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank;
  • Household Exchange and Christmas Store.

Selection of the scholarship award recipient is based on the recommendation of the Catholic Charities Scholarship Committee. To qualify for the scholarship, the student must:

  • Have participated in a program sponsored by Catholic Charities in Terre Haute;
  • Apply and be admitted to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College;
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form;
  • Plan to attend full time as a degree-seeking student;
  • Complete a Catholic Charities Terre Haute Scholarship official application, 500-word essay and interview.

(For more information, log on to www.CatholicCharitiesTerreHaute.org or call Catholic Charities Terre Haute at 812-232-1447. To make a gift for this scholarship, contact Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Office of Advancement at 812-535-5270.) †

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