News Briefs: January 23, 2009
Scholarship program capstone of LLLWA
The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Women's Association (LLLWA) is nearing its 38th year. Organized in 1971 to address educational and advancement concerns of women at the Lab, the association has steadily continued to develop as a resource for women, offering professional growth opportunities, education support, information exchange and community outreach.
The keystone of the association is the LLLWA scholarship program, created to provide financial awards to women to help in their pursuit of education. To appreciate the program's growth, just look back to the first year — 1984. At that time, five scholarships were given totaling $725. Now, fast forward to 2008, when $7,550 in scholarships and encouragement awards were given to 12 employees.
Since the program's inception in 1984, $84,575 has been given for 218 scholarships and 19 encouragement awards. Seven of the recipients have received the former LLNL undergraduate scholarship.
Along with the number of recipients, the program has evolved. Today, men and women alike are equally considered for the awards. To date, 177 individuals have been awarded, with four men having received a total of five scholarships.
As the scholarship program readies to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, along with its longevity, it can celebrate its impact on the Laboratory and its people.
Many recipients say they have not only welcomed the monetary benefit, but valued the support and confidence that receiving the award has given them.
"The scholarship gave me confidence that I am not alone in the challenging quest to enhance my skills and open new career opportunities through higher education." (Mila Shapovalov, 2008 recipient.)
"I wanted an education that supported growth in my career; I wanted a challenge in my life; I wanted to complete the education I had started 24 years previously in the Army; and I wanted to be a good role model for my children. That first scholarship, and the support that went with it, was the major boost to me when I applied to graduate school." (Chelle Clements, current scholarship committee member and former (1999, 2000 and 2001) recipient.
"It is good to know that the Lab supports my interest in higher education. The program is a great opportunity for women at the Lab." (Lea Fresques, 2008 recipient.)
"I'm not sure if you know what the scholarship has meant to me. The money was very wonderful, but the scholarship also said that I count." (Diane Nelson, 2008 recipient.)
You too can be part of the LLLWA scholarship history
Have you been employed at LLNL for at least one year?
Do you work 80 percent time or more?
Have you completed two semesters or equivalent quarters, classes or sessions of academic work in the last 18 months?
Have you received no more than two LLLWA scholarships toward the same degree?
Are you a current member of the LLLWA (or will you become a member)?
If you answered 'yes' to these questions, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship award. (Go to the LLLWA Website.) Deadline to apply is Feb. 2.
2008 R&D 100 awardees honored
Winners of the 2008 R&D 100 Awards were honored during a special reception at the Laboratory Wednesday. Director George Miller and Industrial Partnerships Director Erik Stenehjem presented plaques to each recipient in honor of winning what is sometimes called "the Oscars of Invention."
The Laboratory won three R&D 100s, bringing its total to 121 awards since it began participating in 1978. For more on the R&D 100 award winning technologies and teams, see the July 11, news article and the November/December 2008 edition of Science & Technology Review.
Awards were handed out to each member of the three winning teams of scientists and engineers, whose technologies have applications in homeland security, fusion energy and in studying ultrafast material processes on the billionth of a meter scale.
