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INAUGURAL REED FELLOWS TO VOLUNTEER IN COMMUNITY PAYING IT FORWARD

The first scholars of the Elizabeth Hope Reed Fellows Program will combine studying for graduate-level courses while paying it forward to the community this academic year. The 16 fellows will volunteer eight hours weekly in one or more approved service areas.

Elizabeth Hope Reed

The service-specific scholarship program was established last

year by late alumna and longtime educator Elizabeth Reed ’41, ’51, who was an advocate of learning through community service. Reed’s charitable gift totaling $3 million — the largest estate gift in Winthrop’s history — provides scholarship funds to support both academic and experiential learning.

“We are excited to work with our first class of Reed Fellows

and continue that commitment. We are extremely appreciative of Mrs. Reed’s generosity...”

President Dan Mahony announced the gift at the 2017 State of the University Address because boosting student engagement locally and globally — one of the goals of the fellows program — is one of the hallmarks of the Winthrop Plan, the university’s strategic plan through 2025.

Mahony said the Reed Fellows Program supports learning outside of the classroom and promotes immersing students into community-rich activities.

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“Our vision is to inspire students to engage with neighborhoods nestled right here around this campus as well as global communities that expand their worldview,” Mahony said.

For instance, Virginia Lee Hildreth, who is obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching for secondary English, plans to volunteer at a local Boys & Girls Club or literary association. Rachel Labrador hopes to give back to local schools, afterschool programs and tutoring agencies as she pursues a master’s degree in school psychology. Jazmine Diamond,

who is part of the Master of Social Work program, wants to work with local agencies to bring awareness to mental health disparities among children.

“It is important to reach out to the community because the community of Rock Hill is what makes Winthrop. It’s how we impact the community, how the community [views] us, and how we create networks for the campus that can eventually lead to our success,” said Diamond, who is a case manager for Health and Counseling Services on campus.

Mahony said creating and maintaining national caliber programs, like the Reed Fellows, further cultivates a vibrant, innovative campus.

“The university has long held a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and building strong relationships among students, faculty and the community,” he said. “We are excited to work with our first class of Reed Fellows and continue that commitment. We are extremely appreciative of Mrs. Reed’s generosity that made this program possible.”

The Reed Fellows are:

Master of Education in Counseling & Development Ashlyn Bordelon, Demetria Perkins

Master of Arts in Arts Administration Nicole Davenport, Elizabeth Watkins Master of Arts in Teaching

Andrew Haudricourt, Virginia Hildreth, Margaret Walters

Master of Social Work Jazmine Diamond, Kailey Ellis

Master of Social Work (Online) Jade Tuttle

Master of Science in Human Nutrition Katie Longaker, Meghan Molinari, Kate Parker

Master of Science in School Psychology Rachel Grider, Rachel Labrador, Alyson Walters

To learn more about legacy giving or estate gift planning, please contact Evan Bohnen, vice president for university advancement, at bohnene@winthrop.edu, direct 803/323-2275 or toll-free 800/801-1083.

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