Belfast. The Mid-Coast AAUW (American Association of University Women) has chosen the University of Maine Hutchinson Center as a new scholarship fund for their chapter.   The first award was made this year (2011).  We are proud to announce that Lynette Walauski of Belfast has been chosen as the first recipient for this area scholarship.  The Hutchinson Center is thrilled to partner with the Mid-Coast AAUW chapter in offering the annual scholarship to a first time college student (or one who has been out of college for a while) to cover the cost of one initial college class including tuition, fees, books and required materials at the UMaine Hutchinson Center.

Accepting the award, Lynette Walauski writes, “I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in choosing me to receive your scholarship.  Receiving this scholarship has been a huge blessing to me as I start working towards a college degree by allowing me to fully concentrate on my studies.”

Waluaski continues, “There is a lot of work involved, but I am learning a lot and enjoying the class.  I am doing well in my studies and at this point I am getting an A.  I am still intent on pursuing a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.  I feel that it is important that I move ahead and continuing classes throughout the summer so that I can finish my degree in a timely manner.”

This is a fabulous gift to Hutchinson Center students and one that truly makes a difference in whether a student can start college or not.  The purpose of the scholarship is to provide access to higher education for residents of mid-coast Maine through a scholarship opportunity.  Staff at the Hutchinson Center is excited to offer this annual scholarship again this upcoming January.  Deadline for scholarship applications is December 27^th.  For a copy of the scholarship eligibility, guidelines and process, contact Nancy Boyingon at the Hutchinson Center at 338-8002 or email nancyb@maine.edu.  If you have thought about beginning or going back to college, now is the time to begin the process.  Call the Hutchinson Center at 338-8000 for an appointment with an academic advisor who will guide you every step of the way.