By Michael Magnus/reporter
Starting this fall, SE Campus women can apply for a scholarship established to honor former SE president Judith Carrier.
“She is a pioneer on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce as a female leader,” said Beth Owens, chair of the Women’s Alliance. “She’s been associated with the chamber for decades, and her commitment to education just made it a perfect fit.”
The Judith Carrier Scholarship is provided by the Women’s Alliance of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, which focuses on empowering and uniting women through business and community endeavors.
“They are helping women excel, and the way you get there is through education,” Carrier said. “I hope that by offering scholarships, it will let women know there is support for them.”
The founding president of SE Campus, Carrier served in that capacity for 15 years. During that time, she said, she strived to make the campus a vital part of what was going on in the community.
“If you walk into the chamber’s boardroom, you’ll see over 75 years of history with all of the past chairmen on the wall. I’m the only woman,” she said. “When people see diversity in leadership, it is empowering to them.”
When TCC began looking at committees, Carrier said she wanted to be inclusive to all demographics.
“To look on our campus and see how diverse we are is a testament to Judith Carrier,” said Marilyn Murphy, SE government instructor. “Anything that we can give women to gain equality, be it scholarships or more leadership opportunities, I think it’s beneficial.”
The scholarship will go to one full-time female undergraduate student currently attending SE Campus or the University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a course of study in any discipline.
“Last year’s scholarship deadline was in October, and the guidelines this year will be very similar,” said Catherine Cargile, scholarship committee chair.
She advises students to visit the Women’s Alliance site (http://www.arlingtontx.com/waluncheonactivities/) for more information and updates.
The scholarship application, due Oct. 14, includes a short essay, letters of recommendation and a copy of coursework completed.
Owens said she is glad the group has filled a gap as a professional women’s organization that is community-minded. She said she has enjoyed being associated with them, and every time she leaves, she feels uplifted.
“Once someone makes you feel special, you don’t need a thousand people to make you feel special,” Carrier said. “That one person can give you the momentum to go on and never look back. These young women are succeeding and bringing in new people along the way.”
