Mereese Ladson diversity scholarship
The Ladson Diversity Scholarship was established in 2005 in honor of the late Mereese Ladson, Controller at Brooklyn College (CUNY). Ms. Ladson was a President and long-time leader of NACAS East and a great friend to the entire association. Ms. Ladson's professionalism, commitment to inclusiveness for all, and leadership were sources of inspiration to our members. This scholarship program is intended to further her work to promote the advancement of diverse, career-minded higher education professionals and to enhance their auxiliary services skill and knowledge base through NACAS professional development programs. Award recipients will be selected based on the criteria listed below.
Scholarship Criteria
1) Individuals of minorities, races, or ethnic groups such as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
2) Current auxiliary and business services professionals from NACAS member institutions.
3) Leadership potential must be demonstrated through the submission of the nominee's resume and a letter of reference from the nominee's direct supervisor or a current NACAS member familiar with their professional skills.
The Award
In 2008 you may apply for the NACAS Institute for Managers I or the NACAS Annual Conference.
To Apply
Complete a statement of no more than 200 words about why you meet the criteria for this scholarship. Return that statement, with your resume and a letter of support electronically or via hard copy to:
Pam Grove
NACAS Professional Development
Copy to: Bob Hassmiller, bob@nacas.org
Application Deadline
Deadline for scholarship applications to attend the 2008 Annual Conference is May 7. The decision of the Ladson Fund Scholarship Committee is final.
First Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship Awarded
The first Ladson Diversity Scholarship was given to Juanita Hill, Deputy Comptroller, Brooklyn College – CUNY, to attend the first Institute for Managers in Charlottesville, VA which was held January 2006.
Ms. Hill describes herself:
I am a daughter of the soil of New York, born, raised and educated in the Borough of Brooklyn. I attended Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, where in 1983 I received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Subsequently, I entered the field of accounting in the public sector. Presently, I attend Baruch College of the City University of New York, where I am pursuing an Executive MBA; expected date of graduate is June 2007.
In 1998, I joined the CUNY family at Brooklyn College where I was hired in the position as the Deputy Comptroller. Here I met an African American woman whose persona embodied professionalism, dignity and class – Mereese Ladson, Comptroller/Business Manager. Under the responsibility of managing the accounting operations of over 80 million dollars broadened my horizon and commitment to “be the best”.
January 2007 Award
Petal Parris-Charles was awarded the second Meresse Ladson Scholarship to attend the Institute for Managers II
October 2007 Award
Melissa Wilson and Kathy Andrews were awarded the Meresse Ladson Scholarship to attend the Annual Conference held in Las Vegas
