University earns $600,000 for scholarship

By: Melhor Leonor/Contributing Writer

Sought out and coveted by most students during a time when education prices soar, scholarships and grants are known to come in all shapes and sizes.

Recently, FIU received a pledge from the Betty G. Reader estate of $600,000 to award to 12 students who showed “exemplary service and leadership in the Jewish community.”

According to Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education Hilarion Martinez a student doesn’t have to be of Jewish faith to receive the scholarship but must show an active participation with the South Florida Jewish community within the past two years.

“This scholarship is for any student,” Martinez said. “But the donor is specifically looking for students who have been active in serving the local Jewish community. Students must also submit proof of unmet financial need.”

Additionally, applicants must have graduated from a Miami-Dade or Broward County based high school, or similar institution. They must also be incoming freshman planning to obtain a professional degree from the University, the only one who the donor awarded the $600,000 pledge.

“I think the donor realized that FIU is the only public university in South Florida and that many students come with financial needs. She wanted to aid those students and see that they accomplished careers and also hopefully stayed in South Florida with their degrees to benefit this community.”

The aforementioned donor is Betty G. Reader, a South Florida citizen who dedicated a much of her life to volunteering with the local Jewish community. She was also a philanthropist and received many awards for her dedication to various causes.

FIU will honor Reader with the “Betty G. Reader Scholarships Book of Life.” While this project is still in progress, it was revealed that it will consist of a book located at the Glenn Hubert Library on the Biscayne Bay Campus. The book is to be signed every year by the recipients of this scholarship and will be permanently displayed.

According to Martinez, applicants will be notified whether or not they have been awarded scholarships during the week of Thanksgiving.This scholarship will continue to be available every year and will have a lasting impact on FIU and the South Florida community, Martinez said.

“The fund will change the lives of many young persons who have demonstrated their potential for success through exemplary academic achievement and service to the Jewish community,” Martinez said. “It’s the first scholarship of its kind at FIU. This scholarship will provide enrichment and networking opportunities and introduce passion and potential to a world of opportunity.”