Mary Alber Memorial Scholarship

Ethel Rice , Retired Technical Services and Special Collections Librarian at Western, and Owen Sharp established this scholarship in honor of their aunt. This fund provides for students majoring in Art who seek an education certificate.

It was important for Ethel and Owen to establish this scholarship to help others continue Mary’s love for children, teaching, and art.

Mary is an example of life long learning. She began her education at WSCU in 1925; she took extension classes and courses in the summer, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in 1942. After graduation, she spent most of her career in Richland, WA where she taught the second grade, specializing in reading and developing students she termed “slow to mature.” She retired in 1971. Imagine the uproar that would occur today if a student started teaching the same year they started college and took 17 years to get their degree.

Eligibility
Student must be full-time
Junior or senior art majors seeking Art Education Licensure
Student must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours
Must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater
Demonstrate a strong interest in art education and the potential to become a successful teacher in art