Laura Fuoss Memorial Grant

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.

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

Since its inception in 1978, the scholarship has been awarded to further education in the fields of Law, Medicine, Business, Psychology, Education, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine and Music, to name just a few.

The Laura Fuoss Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 is available to a woman who is a current resident of the Morton School District, a graduate of Morton High School, employed in Morton, 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.

In 2024, the Morton AAUW endowed its scholarship fund at the Morton Community Foundation. This ensures the continued legacy of the fund being available for years to come. Anyone can donate to the fund, and contributions can be made online.