2 RAPS SHEET n APRIL 2023 CO-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scholarships provide money—and bolster confidence SCHOLARSHIPS ARE SO IMPORTANT to students. In many cases they enable students to afford college and earn the degree that will launch their careers. But scholarships also reinforce a sense of confidence in students knowing that someone believes enough in them to invest in their future. My own story demonstrates how important scholarships can be for students. When I graduated from high school, I received a scholarship from my school’s teachers association. As a student going to college on federal financial aid, the scholarship meant I could spend less time on a job and more time on my studies. But the scholarship meant something more to me. I had a rocky start to high school and my grades reflected it, but fortunately I experienced an upward trend in my grades at the end of my high school years. However, my dismal early record reflected in my overall GPA and put me out of the competition for most scholarships. But this group of educators saw beyond my overall GPA to recognize my potential. At my high school graduation ceremony, I was seated in the front row of graduates. As I proudly took my seat ready to accept the scholarship, a follow classmate said to me, “What are you doing here?” Because of the scholarship, I was able to square my shoulders, look that young man in the eyes, and say, “Because this is where I am supposed to be!” The scholarship not only bolstered my confidence, it also fostered a determination in me to do my best so I would not disappoint those who had believed in me. I wrote three thank-you notes to the members of that teachers association: one when I was first awarded the scholarship, another when I graduated from college magna cum laude, and finally, when I earned my Ph.D. While we acknowledge how scholarships benefit students, we don’t always think about what scholarships do for the donors themselves. A fellow RAPS member, Cathleen Smith, recently reminded me of what contributing to scholarships returns to the donor. The February RAPS program featured an outstanding presentation by the 2021-22 RAPS Robert Vogelsang Scholarship recipient, Jett Koda, concerning the “mortality reality.” After this presentation, Cathleen expressed how proud and grateful she felt to be part of an organization that supports students like Jett who go on to make significant contributions and to serve others with compassion and dedication. Thanks, Cathleen, for putting into words what I felt in my heart upon hearing Jett’s presentation. In this issue of the RAPS Sheet Sherwin Davidson, the chair of the RAPS Scholarship Committee, introduces the current recipient of our scholarship and reports the results of the recent scholarship challenge. It is with a collective sense of pride and gratitude that the members of RAPS receive Sherwin’s good news. —Janine Allen A SPECIAL GUIDED TOUR of “Weaving Data,” the current exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU, has been added to the RAPS programming year. Scheduled for Friday, April 14, from 1 to 2 p.m., the tour will be led by Anna Kienberger, education and communications coordinator for JSMA. “Weaving Data” showcases nine contemporary fiber artists whose woven works are deeply connected to digital computing. Some use data analysis while others use metaphor. Some collaborate with computers to make their weavings while others weave by hand using data or internet memes as a basis for their woven designs. Curating the exhibit are Theo Downes-Le Guin and Nancy Downes-Le Guin. Theo Downes-Le Guin is the son of longtime PSU history professor Charles Le Guin and the late Ursula Le Guin. RAPS members should meet in the lobby of the museum shortly before 1 p.m. on April 14. The museum is located in Room 110 Fariborz Maseeh Hall, 1855 SW Broadway, with elevator access to both floors of the museum. The Broadway entrance to the building is unlocked during regular business hours. RAPS tour of Schnitzer Museum exhibit set for April 14
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