FOUNDATION & ALUMNI
When it comes to investing in students, we have many generous corporate donors who fund various university priorities and initiatives, including much-needed scholarships for deserving students. While we cannot highlight them all, Enbridge and Sentry Insurance are true standouts. They both share the belief that an investment in scholarships is an investment in the future. Enbridge has been supporting UW-Superior students for more than 60 years, and was the UW-Superior Foundation's first corporate donor back in 1958 – when they were then known as Lakehead Pipeline Company. Over the years, Enbridge has provided more than $218,000 in support of student scholarships, and today students majoring in transportation and logistics management as well as sustainable management are eligible for these leadership scholarships. Sentry Insurance, headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has provided funding for the Sentry Insurance Student Leadership Scholarship program since 2007. It has supported nearly $225,000 in scholarships to students with proven leadership potential and who choose to pursue careers in business, finance, accounting, math or computer science. These scholarships are renewable for a total of four years if students maintain a required minimum GPA. Thank you Enbridge and Sentry Insurance and all our wonderful corporate donors for genuinely making a difference in helping develop future business and community leaders. Corporate Donors Making a Difference
UW-Superior alumni are a testament to why investing in students is so important
Total Awarded: $850,000 Number of student recipients: 397 Overall students receiving scholarships: 16% Average scholarship amount per student: $2,141
While there are so many wonderful alumni – roughly 26,000 strong – making a positive impact in our world, we would like you to meet one, Debra Filteau Begley.
“I assumed I was making career-limiting decisions by staying in Superior, but it’s what I had to do. UWS, however, gave me so much more than I ever thought possible, and my experiences were instrumental in my success.” –Debra Filteau Begley, '97
Begley graduated in 1997 as a political science major with a minor in English and an individually-designed minor in German studies. She's now a senor trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice's Civil Division in Washington, D.C. During her time at UWS, Begley benefited from the generosity of alumni and friends through scholarship assistance for her standout academic performance. She was also president of the Student Government Association and co-established the mock trial program for which she served as captain. At graduation, Begley received the Chancellor’s Leadership Award for her outstanding achievements in academics and service. After graduation, Begley attended law school and embarked on a successful career. One of her professors and mentors while a student was Maria Cuzzo, who taught legal studies and led the mock trial program for many years and is now serving as interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. Begley and Cuzzo are still in contact today, 23 years after Begley graduated.
“I will never forget how instrumental UWS was in my career path,” states Begley.
While she was offered scholarships at dozens of colleges, Begley ultimately chose to stay in Superior to help with family obligations, and she soon felt a strong appreciation for the high- quality education provided by her hometown university.
This means a lot to me because you recognized my scholastic merit and leadership qualities. This scholarship will help me tremendously and gives me motivation to keep studying hard. –Brock Bader Transportation and Logistics Management Major
In appreciation for what was given to her, Begley supports the university today in order to help make dreams come true for current students. “If I can help even one student see that UWS can open doors to almost every career path, I will feel as though I’ve given back some of what I received,” she says. Her appreciation is also seen in her continued contact with her friend and mentor, Cuzzo, and they recently reconnected when Begley sent the message, “You were exactly the person I needed when I arrived at UWS. You helped me believe in myself and understand that where we are at in life is sometimes a matter of perspective. You really do make a huge difference in the lives of your students. You help people change their lives.”
“Deb’s story is the story of thousands of our alumni who are now living successful, powerful, mighty
Debra with her husband, Bruce
lives,” said Cuzzo. “Her words are their words. Her acknowledgement of the transformative power of UW-Superior is their recognition as well. UW-Superior does help students empower themselves to be successful in career, life and education. This is why investing in students is so very important.”
To support UW-Superior students, visit uwsuper.edu/together.
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