The Dolores Lynch Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship, is awarded annually to a Lock Haven social work student with at least 64 credits. The student must also have a GPA of 3.25 or higher within their major and a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
Madison Leister, of Lewistown, is the scholarship recipient for the 2022-23 academic year. Leister, a senior social work major, is also pursuing a minor in sociology. Along with boasting a 3.5 GPA, she has spent three years as a peer mentor with Lock Haven's TRIO Student Support Services program and has completed a semester of work-study with the Salvation Army.
"I would like to congratulate Madison for receiving the Dolores Lynch Scholarship," said Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, president. "I wish her nothing but joy and success as she continues pursuing her academic and professional goals."
Initially drawn to The Haven because of its low cost, short distance from her hometown and homelike atmosphere, Leister said she also grew to love the welcoming nature of her professors, and the plethora of activities and clubs available to students on campus.
"I love the fact that you can be a member of any club even if you are not part of that specific major," said Leister. "Some of my favorite campus activities include the Color Splash and the New (academic) Year's Eve Party."
"Campus events are great because they get students, and faculty and staff involved," she added. "Prospective students should know that even though some changes are occurring as Lock Haven integrates with Bloomsburg and Mansfield, the entire Haven community is still committed to helping you achieve your goals."
As a first generation college student, Leister believes that her scholarship is another aspect of her Haven experience that is helping her achieve her goals by easing the financial burden of pursuing her dream career. It also allows more time for her to focus on her studies instead of having to invest additional energy into working her way through college.
"I want to be able to make an impact in people's lives, especially younger children, like social workers and community leaders did for me when I was younger," Leister said. "I want the Lynch family to know how grateful I am for the opportunity to receive this award. It is definitely helping me achieve my academic and professional goals."
Upon graduating, Leister intends to work in a children's center where she can provide support services like combatting food insecurity, helping with homework, teaching socialization skills, and more. As her career evolves, she will consider transitioning to a career as a child life specialist, which would qualify her to provide enhanced support services while working with children in hospital settings.
