Ashley Gettinger, Class of 2014 was among 11 Southeast Missouri State University students honored with scholarships Wednesday, March 30th during the annual Power of Women luncheon at the Show Me Center.
Gettinger is a junior pursuing a degree in early childhood education. She is president of the Southeast chapter of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development – Teachers of Tomorrow; member of Southeast’s Delta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Eta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society; and member of Southeast’s Student Missouri State Teachers Association.
She is a mentor for Big Brother Big Sisters, a volunteer for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri’s ArtReach! program, and a student worker at the University School for Young Children.
Gettinger is the daughter of Steve and Margaret Gettinger of Ste. Genevieve, and is a 2014 graduate of Valle Catholic High School.
During her final year at Southeast, Gettinger plans to continue and increase her volunteering time on campus and in the community. After she graduates in May 2017, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in education. Throughout her career she hopes to empower other women.
“The Power of Women event shows us how many great women there are in our community and how they are impacting so many young women,” said Gettinger. “The scholarship is an appreciation of all the hard work I have put forth in my education and extra circular activities at school and in the community. I hope to one day be able to help other women to strive to reach their goals as the Power of Women Scholarship has helped me.”
Vicki Boren, president of the Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association, presented the scholarships. In its fifth year, the annual Power of Women luncheon and expo connects female students at Southeast with opportunities, women mentors and resources in the community. The luncheon highlights philanthropists, entrepreneurs and extraordinary women of Southeast.
Dr. Maureen Clancy-May, a 1979 graduate and state supervisor in the St. Louis metropolitan region for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, presented the keynote address with an inspiring message about how she applied her brilliance to empower, transform and connect with generations.
“Life can be awkward, intimidating or challenging at times but you have to believe in yourself and be your own best advocate,” said Clancy-May. “No matter what field you’re in, it’s a very competitive world. I think that you can wait for people to open doors for you, and yes, I’ve had doors opened for me and I was blessed for it, but some of those doors I had to push hard myself to open up. You have to believe in what you have to offer, and be confident in that.”
The Power of Women Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a passion for a life of service, are attending Southeast full time and have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. Each recipient submitted an application demonstrating significant academic achievement, involvement at the University and commitment to volunteerism and community service. The Power of Women Scholarship Committee selected the recipients based on these factors as well as their future aspirations for success in their career and personal life. Each student received a $500 award.
The Women’s Walk Endowed Scholarship was established in 2014 with proceeds from the annual Walk for Redhawks Athletics, formerly known as the Walk for Women’s Athletics at Southeast Missouri State. The renewable scholarship is awarded to students enrolled at Southeast with first preference given to a student athlete with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The recipient must be nominated by their coach and must exhibit outstanding leadership and community involvement.
The Power of Women event is sponsored in a collaborative effort by the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, Southeast’s Department of Athletics and Southeast Student Government.
This year’s event was also sponsored by many area businesses, including Thrivent Financial-Linda Bauwens, Edward Jones, Bold Marketing, Fox 23 KBSI Cape Girardeau, Saint Francis Medical Center and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
For more information about the Power of Women Scholarship and luncheon, visit http://www.semo.edu/foundation/power-of-women.html.