Every spring, the members of the Morton Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) take time to remember a chartered member and, for many, a dear friend, as they review applications for The Laura Fuoss Memorial Scholarship. Laura Fuoss was a charter member of the Morton AAUW branch in 1975 and served on the board, in various positions, including President, until her death from cancer in November of 1983.

The chapter first established a scholarship in 1978 to assist women interested in furthering their education beyond an undergraduate degree. Laura’s friends recall that a number of memorials were made to AAUW in her name after her passing, and these donations were used to fund the scholarship. The organization named the grant in her honor in December 1983.  Laura Fuoss was a third-grade teacher in Marquette Heights who valued education. AAUW members who remember Laura note that she inspired others to reach for their career goals and to further their own education.

Since its inception in 1978, the scholarship has been awarded to women pursuing degrees in the fields of Law, Medicine, Business, Psychology, Education, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine and Music, to name just a few. In 2024, the branch decided to establish this scholarship with the Morton Community Foundation as an endowed fund, the AAUW Laura Fuoss Memorial Scholarship.

The Laura Fuoss Memorial Grant of $1000 is available to a woman who is a current resident of the Morton School District, employed in Morton, a graduate of Morton High School, or a Morton AAUW Branch member.

Applicants must have attained a bachelor’s degree and be entering or presently enrolled and in good academic standing in a graduate degree program or advanced certification program at an accredited university. The deadline for applications is May 1st.