Tina Clevenger wants to pursue a law degree so that she can help people who live in poverty. She feels there is work to be done to fix the flawed legal system so that laws are structured to better assist those living below the poverty line.
Clevenger, a UTC junior Business major and Spanish minor, is one of three recipients of the Jean Bradford Memorial Scholarship.
Chancellor Steven Angle accepts a check for the Jean Bradford Memorial Scholarship from members of the Chattanooga Chapter of the EWI. Names, l-r: Terry Denniston, UTC; Catherine Cox, Lyndhurst Foundation; Delores Lewis, United Way; Ani Yacoubian, Yacoubian Tailors; Rebecca Bishop, Reliance Partners; Heather Burrell, MCA; UTC Chancellor Steven Angle; Kristina Smith, First Tennessee Bank; Tammy Hargis, MCA; Barbara Verhine, UTC; and Margaret Browning, Coca Cola.
“I greatly appreciate, as a single mother of three children, to have this educational opportunity, not only to better my life but also the lives of my children. The Jean Bradford Scholarship helped make this possible,” Clevenger explained.
Established in 1996 by the Chattanooga Chapter of Executive Women International (EWI) in memory of former EWI member Jean (Mrs. James) Bradford, the Jean Bradford Memorial Scholarship assists women, particularly displaced homemakers and single mothers, who return to school to enhance their career opportunities.
Kristie Kramer, also a recipient of the scholarship, plans to graduate in May 2013 with a degree in Social Work. She is currently an intern with Bridge Refugee Services. She calls it an opportunity for her to learn about this population’s needs and the difficulties refugees experience.
Kramer is thankful that the hard work she’s put into her education has been rewarded with the scholarship. This support is also having a positive influence on someone else in Kramer’s life.
“My six-year-old daughter needs to see that if you work hard, and she knows how hard I work, that you can receive support. College is not an option for her—she will definitely go to college. She’s familiar with campus, she’s been with me for a few classes, and she’s hung out at Hunter Hall,” Kramer said.
With plans to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work, Kramer looks forward to working with all populations, from children to the elderly.
In support of the Jean Bradford Memorial Scholarship, the Chattanooga Chapter of EWI recently presented a check for $10,665 to Chancellor Steven Angle.
“Being able to present this contribution to the scholarship is one of my favorite things at this time of year,” said Kristina H. Smith, EWI President. “EWI representatives are so proud to be able to contribute to the success and growth of the scholarship recipients, right here in Chattanooga.”
