Donor Stories
Ruth Bettandorf
“I always knew that education was important to my parents -- neither of whom went beyond high school. They pushed and pulled my three sisters and me to do our best and be prepared for the college life they could never have. Then one day our lives drastically changed; my father died, leaving my mother with an 8 year old and two daughters in college (my oldest sister was married by this point). They didn't have any savings, but my father had been a soldier in World War II so we had VA benefits and, with part-time jobs, we could continue our schooling. And so could my mother!
After pushing and pulling and cajoling her, as she had so often done for us, she took the ACT, located her old high school transcripts, packed up our little sister and moved 150 miles to the nearest town with a community college. Now there were three undergrads in the family and mother was launched on her way to becoming an R.N. at 45 years of age!
She was a wonderful student -- soaking up everything she could get her hands on. You can't imagine how we all cheered and made wild noises the day she got her degree. As an R.N., she was better able to provide and could ensure that my younger sister also had the opportunity to go to college.
I began to study adult students and, after getting my Ph.D. in Higher Education with an emphasis in Adult Education, I have now worked with adult students, especially women, for over 25 years. If only, oh, if only, there had been a Jeannette Rankin Scholarship to help mother out! Thank goodness JRF is now there for other women who find themselves in her shoes. It is with great pride that my sisters and I, along with many of mother's friends, are able to dedicate a scholarship in her memory -- to help another woman get the education that will make a difference in her life, just as education made such a difference for us.”
Michael Purser
“On their way to visit an ailing relative, we lost my mother, Vera, and sister, Anne. A careless driver caused senseless car accident, killing them both. Mom was 83. Anne was just 52.
Among our family and friends, the grief was profound, and the loss was too harsh to accept. Mom and Anne’s example of love gave us an option that provided solace amidst our grief. Their compassion and service to others was a legacy to preserve. We realized that education had been a silent partner in their lives. Mom used it to realize a childhood dream to become a nurse. Anne used it to reinvent herself as a teacher, and to reaffirm her dedication to her family and community. We decided to give that silent, empowering partner a voice, a presence and a mission.
As it heads into its fourth decade, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation has helped hundreds of women with the same level of desire and determination displayed by Mom and Anne. No other organization speaks the language as clearly and eloquently for a group looking for assistance and affirmation. This is why the Jeannette Rankin Foundation now has a scholarship named the Vera & Anne Purser Award. It is a scholarship that will be given every year in perpetuity. Anne’s son Caleb and I donated to the foundation so that other women who need financial assistance will be able to go to college. For generations to come, women in need will benefit from the generosity of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation while being inspired by the legacy of Mom and Anne. The gift education brings to these hard-working women will allow them to square their shoulders to each day, carry themselves with confidence and share their stories of success with others.”
Carol Kurtz
"Through the years of reading applications, I have always been amazed at the spark that scholarship applicants are able to muster to turn crippling events in their lives around and come to the realization that education can be the key to a new life for them and those in their family and community."
For her 60th birthday, Carol decided that she would celebrate by donating a scholarship to JRF. Friends and family gave gifts in her honor to the foundation and raised part of the money needed for an award. Carol and her husband Paul will give the remainder, and in doing so, change the lives of one woman, her family and her community.
"I was so pleased, as a career educator, to be able to request that this birthday scholarship be awarded to someone studying to be an educator. The person chosen will be completing her studies in special education soon. When I read her personal statement about this choice, I was moved to tears, as that was part of my own undergraduate college double major. Then I knew for sure, this was a match made in heaven."
Sue Plaksin
"My daughter has grown up with JRF, and I smile when Sue Lawrence says that Nina is JRF’s youngest volunteer. The words, "Jeannette Rankin Foundation" were some of her first vocabulary words. As Nina grew to pre school age, I was recruited to join the staff. My time here has been some of the most rewarding work that I have done, because the mission of helping women succeed is close to my heart."
Diane Dietzler-Lehmann
When Diane Dietzler-Lehmann attended JRF's Annual Dinner event in 2004, she was inspired by the personal success of the featured scholar speaker, Suz Rosenberg. Suz had earned her bachelor’s degree and was well established in her new career. She told the audience of her recent donation of a JRF scholarship to give another woman the opportunity to improve her situation through education.
"The Jeannette Rankin Foundation is wonderful," Diane says. "Any way to ease the struggle for these women is great. Whether they use the scholarship for books or babysitting, it is a tremendous help to them in finishing their education." Diane knows how valuable scholarships are because she worked in the financial aid office at Stonybrook College. Inspired by Suz Rosenberg’s story, Diane decided to donate a JRF scholarship in memory of her close friend Lorrain. "I know Lorrain would have been honored to have a scholarship given in her name and to know that it would assist other women so they can improve their quality of life."
Geraldine Clark
"I feel very strongly about older women making the decision to improve the quality of their life through education. I know it is a scary thing to go back to school. These women are admirable and need all the support they can get. I want to provide whatever aid I can so JRF can continue to flourish and help as many women as possible get an education."
Pi Beta Phi
Sisters in the Georgia Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi sorority at the University of Georgia voted unanimously to donate proceeds from their fundraising event to JRF. The young college students wanted to help give other women the opportunity for a college degree. In 2008, Pi Beta Phi raised enough money for three scholarships and carried on this tradition by donating another in 2009.
"I believe a higher education is an invaluable experience, particularly for women today. It is a great feeling to know we are helping women who need and want a college education," says Pi Beta Phi president Jessica.
Another member of the sorority, Ashley, echoes the thought, "Our sorority is honored to provide a second chance, or even a first chance, to adult women with college goals and career ambitions comparable to our own. It is never too late to do something amazing with one's dreams and aspirations."
Ron Schwartz
Ron Schwartz and his brother wanted to show their love by donating the Florence Schwartz Award in honor of an important person in their lives – their mother. Upon learning of this, their children wanted to contribute as well, having also been taught of the value of education. "The number one priority with my mother was that we were all well educated," says Ron.
Florence, like the women who receive JRF scholarships, went back for her college education later in life. As a young woman, she fell in love, married, and moved from New York to Georgia where she and her husband became owners of a department store. In addition to her work at the store and family responsibilities for their two sons, Florence became active in several community organizations. She served as the first woman president of her local chamber of commerce where she championed for child abuse prevention and employment opportunities for low-income people. In the midst of her busy schedule, Florence decided to pursue her college dreams. She began attending night classes and after 23 years of taking classes off and on, Florence graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in social work.
Florence not only demonstrated the value of education, but generosity, too. "She truly loves helping people," says Ron. "This has been instilled in her two sons and grandchildren. I know there is a real link between JRF and what my mother brought me up to believe and work for."
