IEF Scholar Award and Appreciation Reception 2011

Each year, the IEF Board of Directors, staff, partners and community leaders come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our scholars and acknowledge the support of our many partners and volunteers. On June 4, 2011, the IEF hosted  its annual Scholar Award and Appreciation Reception, and honored guest, Marty Castro, President of Castro Synergies LLC and Chairperson of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, delivered the keynote address.  Marty Castro recently made history as the first Latino to serve as Chairperson for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Nielsen, which is committed to investing in civic and social justice organizations, educational institutions, and grassroots initiatives, also honored the hard work of IEF Scholars.  Nielsen awarded the IEF with $3,500 in support of scholars in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. 

This reception also celebrated the accomplishments of the IEF community and paid special tribute to those scholars who graduated this year. IEF Scholar Amanda Star, who graduated from Truman College in 2008 and transferred to DePaul University, had been selected as the 2011 IEF Scholar-dictorian.  Amanda, a single mother to a child with special needs, graduated this year magna cum laude with a degree in elementary education. She was selected for this honor because of her outstanding academic record, incredible work ethic, and ability to meet any challenge that confronts her.

(Photos by J. Geil)

2010-2011 Scholar Award and Appreciation Reception
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