Giving
INTERSECTIONS SPRING 2021
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Koval Scholarship is a life changer for MS student
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hanks to the generosity of Edward Koval and his family, MS/LIS student Claudia Farris can stop worrying about finances and simply focus on their studies. Farris is a recipient of the iSchool’s Anna Mae Koval Scholarship, a need-based scholarship for students interested in youth services and literature. “Receiving this scholarship has made an enormous impact on my education,” said Farris. “Because of COVID, I was laid off, and I honestly didn’t know if I was going to be able to afford to finish my degree. I’m a better student if I’m not worried about how I’m going to make rent and pay my tuition bill. I am not exaggerating when I say this scholarship changed my life.” Farris decided to pursue an MS/LIS degree because of the “huge impact” libraries have played in their life. For Farris, libraries have always been safe, welcoming spaces. “I specifically want to go into youth services, but I’m also passionate about community outreach,” said Farris, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Portland State University. “I think libraries can be a great site for giving marginalized populations a variety of services.”
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I’m a better student if I’m not worried about how I’m going to make rent and
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pay my tuition bill.
Alegre receives inaugural CNH Industrial Information Sciences Scholarship
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hanks to a new scholarship at the iSchool, David Alegre has been relieved of some of the stress in financing his education. Alegre, a junior from Chicago, is the inaugural recipient of the CNH Industrial Information Sciences Scholarship, which supports continuing BS in information sciences (BS/IS) students who have financial need. He chose the iSchool for his undergraduate study because of his interest in becoming a data analyst. “No other major in this field provides anywhere near as much in-depth material about the ethics behind technology,” he said. “I am leaning toward the data and society pathway [one of the four pathways offered in the BS/IS degree]. My favorite class at the iSchool has been Community Innovation (IS 266) with Anita Chan. I loved this class because it helped me find something that I was passionate about in my research.” Alegre has secured a summer internship with PepsiCo, where he hopes to “learn more about what I want out of my career.” With the variety of professional paths available to him once he graduates, he is still weighing his options and doing his research. Outside of class, Alegre works as a wellness support associate— specially trained employees who help manage the University’s COVID-19 building access—and enjoys spending time with friends. “I would like to express how thankful I am to have received this support,” he said.
