For Immediate Release
Monday, May 31, 2004
Eight AFSCME Family Members to Pursue Academic Goals Through Union Plus Scholarships
$150,000 Awarded to 106 Students Representing 38 AFL-CIO Unions
WASHINGTON —Eight AFSCME members and AFSCME family members have been selected to receive 2004 Union Plus scholarship awards. They are among 106 students from 38 AFL-CIO unions who have been awarded $150,000 in scholarships from the Union Plus Scholarship program.
The AFSCME award winners include (listed in alphabetical order by name, with top award winners listed first): Jessica Schroeder (daughter of Dan Schroeder, Local 1449, $4,000); Anand Oza (son of Kalindi Oza, Local 2620, $2,000); Gina Mattei (daughter of Anthony Mattei, Local 1320, $1,000); Tricia Murphy (spouse of James Murphy Jr., Local 2841, $1,000); Nicholas Olszyk (son of Teresa Danovich, Local 3336, $1,000); Susan Wearsch (AFSCME member, Local 692, $1,000); Kathryn Zblewski (AFSCME member, Local 348, $1,000); and Gamilia Marshall (AFSCME member, Local 1637, $500).
The program's top $4,000 awards went to 12 students. Seventy-two students attending four-year institutions received awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. Twenty-two students attending community colleges and trade schools received scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000. Twelve of the 106 winners are themselves union members.
Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship program has awarded nearly $2 million to union members or members of their families who want to begin or continue their secondary education. More than 1,200 families have benefited from the commitment of unions to higher education.
The Union Plus Scholarship awards are presented annually. The program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation with funding provided by Household Credit Card Services, issuer of the Union Plus Credit Card.
Rising Costs, Increased Needs
For years, policy makers and economists have described how higher education increasingly is critical to American workers and to the competitiveness of the U.S. economy. The union movement has been at the forefront of providing such opportunities for working-class college students.
Today, these opportunities are threatened by skyrocketing college tuition costs, cuts in federally funded college grants and scholarships and increasing loan burdens at exorbitant interest rates. Union support through scholarships and grants is more vital than ever to working families.
"Our members and their families are faced with expanding financial challenges and the rising costs of higher education," says Leslie Tolf, president of Union Privilege. "Our support, which recognizes the realities of balancing career and family, provides individuals from working families with needed assistance. We are proud to sponsor the Union Plus scholarship program and help men and women in the labor movement realize their dreams for a higher education."
Jessica Schroeder's Dreams
Jessica Schroeder of Mauston, Wis., is a graduating high school senior who will be attending the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in the fall, majoring in political science. Her awards give a sense of her achievements. Schroeder was recognized by her school with its Academic Award for earning six semesters of perfect 4.0 grade point averages and she was selected to the National Honor Society. She is very active in academic activities, including the Academic Decathlon, the math team club (for which she was selected as MVP), the French Club and the forensics team. She also was involved in student government as an elected member to student council, and other such school club activities as Key Club and Pep Club.
She was captain of her varsity volleyball and junior varsity basketball teams, was founder of the dance team, participated in several drama productions and was a member of the concert choir, treble choir, jazz choir and band. She is active in community service through Future Business Leaders of America and her local 4-H society. She is a volunteer in numerous organizations, such as the Salvation Army, UNICEF, the March of Dimes and in fund-raising activities for Camp Waubeek for the disabled.
Truly interested and motivated by the benefits of philanthropy and serving her community through volunteerism, Schroeder realized early in her life that the best way to make an impact upon the world would be to get a superior education. "I have dreamed of going to college since I was five years old. I wanted the knowledge, experience and the prestige of obtaining a college diploma," she says. "I would like to become a juvenile court judge so I can help the children who didn't always have all the chances and opportunities that I was so generously given. As a respected judge, I would have a voice, and you can be certain that I would use it to defend and protect people who are too young and innocent to do so themselves. I would use all my power to change the system from within, to provide a better tomorrow for my own children, just as my parents have tried to do for me."
Her parents, she says, have always done everything they could to support her. Her father in particular always has embodied the traits she has tried her best to emulate—the same traits he brings to the union. "My father is truly a great man," she says. "His most distinguishable traits are his compassion, likeability and his way with people. All of these traits have made him a union man through and through. My life would be very different without the union. Unions have taught us that we must pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, stand and be heard for the competent, valued members of society we are."
Anand Oza's Dreams
Anand Oza of Fremont, Calif., graduated at the top of his high school class with a 4.0 grade point average. He will attend Stanford University in California this fall and will major in molecular biology with a pre-medical emphasis. His academic achievements are impressive. He is a National Merit Semifinalist and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors. Oza won first place in the North South Foundation National Vocabulary Contest held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was selected to the American Invitational Mathematics Exam and won second place at the NASA Polar Cusp Rocket Design Content held at University of California, Berkeley.
He also won the Principal's Awards for French 1, Spanish 3, Advanced Placement Spanish, English and chemistry classes and received the High Scorer Award from the University of California, Irvine, Academic Talent Search. Further, Oza was a candidate for the Presidential Scholars Program. He is also an athlete, including a Shotokan Karate-Do black belt martial artist and an assistant instructor and a member of the varsity tennis team. He is a four-year member of his school's marching, symphonic and concert bands as well as a member of the Honors Band. In addition, he is a volunteer with the Youth Red Cross and the ECO Club, and a developmental center where he works with developmentally disabled clients.
Oza's aspirations for a successful career have always motivated him to go the extra mile. "Throughout much of my life, my competitive nature caused me to become enveloped in an endless rat race for higher grade point averages, more activities and better test scores," he explains. But during his tenure volunteering at the developmental center where his mother is employed, he worked with one woman who touched his life in a way no other person had before or since.
The woman, a patient named Helen, told him stories of how much she missed the warm hugs of her mother's arms. "During these conversations I realized we had a lot in common. In one summer, she taught me more than I could have ever taught her," he continues. "Through the experience, I learned a central and often overlooked lesson: all personal encounters are meaningful, and there is something to be learned from every person. Being in the medical profession will give me the opportunity to actively help others, but it will also offer me the enrichment of daily interactions with different people."
Oza's mother, Kalindi, faces the impending closure of the facility. However, the union she has belonged to for 13 years is doing everything it can to help her through this transition. "AFSCME has worked continuously to inform my mom about her possibilities and has given her hope about the future. The union's commitment to serving others and giving the disadvantaged newfound hope has inspired me, and I plan to direct my life along a similar path."
Gina Mattei's Dreams
Gina Mattei of Hillsborough, N.J., recently completed her freshman year at Duke University in Durham, N.C., where she is studying psychology. She currently holds a 3.6 grade point average. Her collegiate academic career has only just begun, but her high school record is worth noting. She has been named the Hundred Years Association Scholar, the Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholars Award and the District Council 37 Educational Scholar. She is a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Mattei volunteers her time with the Somerville Policemen's Benevolent Society and the Historic James Harper Smith Estate—and was named event coordinator of the estate, the highest civilian post awarded to a volunteer.
Mattei seeks to become a psychologist to help society gain understanding of what motivates aberrant behavior, especially as it relates to imbalances and predisposition to certain mental conditions and psychosis. "I have chosen psychiatry as my professional goal," she says. "I desperately seek to understand the chemistry of the mind so that I can improve the human condition and thereby elevate the human spirit." She has taken this position mainly because of her years of volunteering with local law enforcement officers in her hometown. "Through my seven-year relationship with the police department, I have seen poverty, neglect and crime wreak similar havoc upon individuals and society. In these instances, it is brain chemistry that may be the ultimate key to behavior. In all instances, human dignity is at stake. This social awareness has set my course."
Her family has been associated with the union for almost 25 years. She sincerely appreciates the quality of life that unions have given her family as well as the sacrifices that were made by the people who established the first unions in this country. "The impact of brave men and women of the movement, some of whom gave up their lives, has been apparent throughout my life," she says. "The labor union guaranteed both my parents and myself safe working conditions, fair and equitable wages, a reasonable work week that allowed for a full family life, medical and dental benefits that insured our health and welfare. From my braces to the necessary cancer-preventing surgery on my leg when I was a child, to my mom's several operations, my dad's union has been there for us. [The union] has touched my life in these many ways. The debt of gratitude owed to those who made such things possible is immeasurable."
Tricia Murphy's Dreams
Tricia Murphy of Schenectady, N.Y., is a married mother of two who is continuing her education. She volunteers with a disability center for children with autism, cerebral palsy and similar disabilities while taking night courses and studying for her nursing degree. Murphy began her journey into the health care profession more than a decade ago, but life threw her a series of curves that challenged her mind, body and soul.
There is a saying "that which does not kill you only makes you stronger." Murphy lives this idiom, having faced a series of trials and tribulations. A tumor threatened to take the life of her husband and her son was diagnosed recently with autism and seizure disorder. She also had to stop her education 10 years ago because of financial hardship. Her son's condition led to her resignation from her job of more than seven years to stay home and see to his special needs. Now, she is seeking to become a registered nurse.
"My interest in the health field has led me to past employment as a medical assistant and nurse's aide. These jobs would ultimately spark my interest in achieving my overall goal of becoming a registered nurse," she says. Though unable to finish her education initially, the skills Murphy accumulated were invaluable in facing the challenges life brought. "In 1999 my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which had to be removed. My only comfort was that shortly after his surgery I learned I was pregnant with our first child. My husband survived, but endured several major complications that almost took his life. Through his long road to recovery, he would need constant therapy and care. My prior nursing background allowed for me to perform many of the functions a nurse would do during his recuperation," she says. "With this tragedy behind us, I feel the need to pursue my goal of becoming a registered nurse."
"My husband has now returned to work with support from the union in a limited capacity," Murphy says, "and we are enjoying our lives together with our two beautiful children."
Nicholas Olszyk's Dreams
Nicholas Olszyk of Eugene, Ore., a graduating high school senior with a 3.99 grade point average, will be attending Chapman University, in Orange, Calif., where he intends to study film production. He was selected to the National Honor Society, named an Advanced Placement Scholar and received awards as the Most Outstanding Student for Honors Biology, Latin 2, Latin 3 and Advanced Placement U.S. History. He also was student body vice president. He participated on the cross-country and track and field teams, and is a member of the Boy Scouts, jazz and pep bands and choir.
"My career goal and aspiration is to be a film director and writer in the mainstream industry," says the budding filmmaker. He already has produced his first training film. "I recently finished my Eagle Scout project, which was making a video on stove-making for people in Central America. In Central America, many families can only cook their meals over an open fire," Olszyk says. "I found a design for a simple stove that anyone can make and use. I taught some friends how to make the stoves and filmed them. This film, translated into Spanish, will be sent to Central America so that they can build their own stoves and cook more safely and efficiently by using less wood."
The nature of this venture, to find an effective solution to a problem that does not fall into his immediate sphere of day-to-day concerns and obstacles, gives insight into Olszyk's character. "As a devoted religious person and socially aware citizen, it is my lifelong duty and pleasure to serve humanity. I plan to work courageously for justice and hope for a new dawn ahead."
His mother, who works for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, has been a union member since 1999. The qualities he exhibits are the same qualities the union has championed and displayed, specifically in her employment situation, which is a half-time job shared position. "Many places do not give benefits such as dental or health insurance to part-time workers, but the AFSCME union ensures that she has those benefits," he says. "Unions represent the best of what I believe in. They are organizations that help and serve people [and help] them get what they justly deserve. Unions protect the inherent rights of all people and our nation could not survive without them. In my life I have always supported unions and will continue to do so in my film career."
Susan Wearsch's Dreams
Susan Wearsch of Rockford, Ill., is a sophomore attending the hometown Rock Valley College, where she studies respiratory care. She is a full-time worker, wife and mother of two, one of whom has disabilities and needs constant care and supervision. Her local has awarded her a $250 scholarship for each of the past two years.
"I am working in my seventh year as a special education professional," she says. "My son was diagnosed with Juvenile GM1 gangliosidosis at the age of two. This is a terminal, non-curable degenerative disease caused by an enzyme deficiency." Her son's condition led to a gradual decrease in all of his motor skills. He is fed through a tube and has a multitude of health problems, including respiration failures and seizures. Upon taking him to preschool at the age of three, the teachers asked that she remain on the premises because of the seriousness of his condition. This would put Wearsch on the path to a new career. "I started volunteering in another classroom in the building, working with other kids with severe handicaps. This gradually worked into a paying position with the board. I have worked with children with special needs for the past seven years."
As a seven-year veteran of the union, Wearsch has seen AFSCME work on her behalf to help keep her job. President Bush's "No Child Left Behind Act" mandates that all paraprofessionals possess or obtain an associate's degree or sixty credit hours by the year 2006. "My union started working to get a test approved in Illinois to grandfather current professionals," Wearsch points out. Returning to school after 22 years has been nothing short of a revelation for her. "I have never thought of myself as 'college material,' " she says—but she has a 3.7 grade point average."
Kathryn Zblewski's Dreams
Kathryn Zblewski of Plover, Wis., plans a career in health care. "I am going into the nursing field because I enjoy helping others," she says, explaining that she plans to attend Bellin College of Nursing in Green Bay, Wis., in the fall. "In college, I plan to earn a BSN [Bachelor of Science and Nursing] and still be involved in my community. After I graduate, I want to work in a hospital as an RN. I plan to travel around the world and put my studies to good use," she says. "After my travels, I plan on becoming a nurse practitioner and raising a family of my own."
Zblewski's high school career is an illustration of academic and community achievement. Graduating with a perfect 4.0 average, she received the highest academic honors possible and was an active member of her student body, serving as president of the Student Council/Senate as well as president of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society. She is a recipient of the National Honor Society's Leadership and Service Award and is recognized in Who's Who Among High School Students. Zblewski is very active in her community, volunteering her time as a tutor, to the Special Olympics and in the Adopt-A-Highway campaign. She also found the time to participate in many fund-raisers, such as the Rake-A-Thon, the Salvation Army, blood drives, Thanksgiving food drives and delivery of food baskets at Christmas. She also is a youth minister, teaching religion to children.
Zblewski already has a leg up on her soon-to-be-graduating peers. She is a certified nursing assistant and a member of AFSCME. "I spent the summer of my sophomore year at high school earning a degree as a certified nursing assistant. For the past two years I have been employed at a local nursing home. I receive great satisfaction taking care of the elderly." Already, Zblewski has witnessed the importance of a strong union firsthand. "Last year there was a mix-up at work and I lost all my sick and vacation pay. I am extremely appreciative because my union has been helping me to retrieve my lost pay. I feel my union has been doing an outstanding job which I am very grateful for."
Gamilia Marshall's Dreams
Gamilia Marshall, of Philadelphia recently completed her freshman year at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she maintains a 3.0 average. She is studying social work and volunteers at the women's shelter and at her church. Marshall is a single parent of two and is employed by the city of Philadelphia.
She has overcome some daunting challenges. "I am 34 years old. I had my first son at the age of 18," she says. "Although I started going to community college when my son was six months old, I found it difficult to finish. I left school and became a welfare recipient. I became quickly depressed and turned to drugs and alcohol. This was the worst time of my life. I had my second child at the age of 20 and thought my life was over."
A visit with a caring, resourceful social worker would spark a change in her, motivating her to become a better mother and to set goals for herself—the first being to stop abusing drugs and to enroll in a school designed for people just like her to help them get off welfare and acquire gainful employment. "I am hoping to receive my associate's degree and work in the field while pursuing my bachelor's degree," Marshall says. "I have always had a desire to help people. I enjoy encouraging people to reach their goals in spite of their obstacles. I love volunteer work; it gives me a purpose in life. I want to be a drug and alcohol counselor and a social worker for homeless women and children. I feel I was put here to help people. I may not be able to change the world, but I am going to give my life to try to make things better for others any way I can."
Upon starting her city job, her knowledge of unions was scant. "The only thing I knew was they took money out of my check," she says. "But now, I am so grateful to my union. It has helped me in so many ways. I have nothing but praise for my union."
A Challenging Process
The students selected for awards come from diverse backgrounds and union affiliations and have varied goals and accomplishments. Representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the United Negro College Fund judged the applications. According to the judges, the caliber of students this year made the selection process very challenging. Students earned top SAT scores, were well-rounded in their studies and extracurricular activities and showed an understanding of the value of working families and union membership.
How the Scholarship Program Works
In addition to demonstrated academic ability, applicants submitted essays of no more than 500 words describing their career goals, detailing their relationship with the union movement and explaining why they are deserving of a union scholarship.
The program is open to members of unions that participate in any Union Plus program, their spouses and dependent children. Individuals must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Members do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or participate in any Union Plus program to apply.
2005 Applications
Applications for the 2005 awards will be available in September 2004. To download the application from the AFSCME website at that time, visit www.afscme.org/about/aa-scho.htm. Or, send a postcard with your name, return address, telephone number and international union affiliation to: Union Plus Education Foundation, c/o Union Privilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, D.C. 20043-4800.
The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2005. Recipients' names for the 2005 program will be announced May 31, 2005. However, due to the high volume of applications, only winners will receive notification.
