The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has selected St. John resident Cala Sewer, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in library science at Texas Woman’s University, as the recipient of the 2018 Librarian Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship was awarded from the Librarian Legacy Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation. This fund was established at CFVI by the Friends of the Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library (Friends) on St. John.
This will become an annual education scholarship available to Virgin Islands residents who are enrolled in graduate-level programs in the fields of library science and information studies. The program must be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or a comparable university program. A scholarship of up to $5,000 will be awarded each year to a full-time or part-time student, and priority will be given to applicants who have resided on St. John.
Carol McGuiness, a member of Friends, who was the beloved librarian at the Sprauve Library for many years, said the purpose of the scholarships is to, “Read it forward, investing in someone who will keep advocating for the love of reading and lifelong learning and to improve the accessibility of the library for the people of St. John and the Virgin Islands.”
Marie Thomas Griffith, CFVI Board member and chair of the foundation’s scholarship committee, said, “We know that many of our students are faced with challenges that may delay the opportunity of pursuing higher education. Now, more than ever, we are kindly asking individuals, businesses and organizations to consider establishing a scholarship fund with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. With the support of partners like Friends of the Elaine I Sprauve Library, Virgin Islands students can continue to thrive in their academic careers and become the future leaders of our territory.”
If interested in donating to an existing scholarship fund or establishing a new scholarship fund, please contact CFVI at 774-6031 or e-mail general.info@cfvi.net.
