The Friends of USP held its annual Open House on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, marking its 83rd birthday. The organization, formerly known as the Women’s Club was founded in February 1929, and while a name transition to Friends of USciences is in the works, the group continues to promote activities that emphasize the administration of funds to benefit students.
Founded by a group of dedicated women who bonded to form the Women’s Club, their goal was to promote, by cooperative effort the interest of the University through social contacts, student services, and cultural activities. They realized that the increasing cost of obtaining a college education was a real drain to the resources of our students and their families – then, as it is now. Their efforts, to render student service through increased scholarship aid received special attention.
In addition to the scholarships that were set up, the Women’s Club was busy with other projects:
- started the very first “lunch room” for the students in 1932
- purchased and donated property that became the site for Kline Hall and McNeil Research Center
- donated funds toward the building of Whitecar Hall which included furnishing the Women’s Club Room (Blanche Gardner Whitecar)
- donated almost $12,000 toward building the Pharmacology and Toxicology Center in 1985 and renovations to Griffith Hall in 1986
- in 1990 contributed proceeds from an Art Auction towards the building of Wilson Student Center
Today, the Friends of USP continues in the tradition of the founding members of the Club. In general, this service consists of funding scholarships and commencement prizes. In addition, during the academic year the Friends offer Academic Student Development Grants (scholarships or stipends) to current undergraduate student organizations and individuals who are participating in professional development opportunities. Applications for development grants may be obtained from Gloria Y. Goodwin, 215-596-8966 or g.goodwi@usciences.edu. Also, since 2007, the Friends have been involved with the Elixir, the student-run literary magazine which is published each spring. The Friends award cash prizes for the best writing in poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction.
Commencement Awards (Presented annually at commencement convocation)
- The Maude E. Hunsberger Prize
- The Elizabeth G. Krusen Prize
- The Friends of USP Past President Memorial Prize
- The Edna Woodside Memorial Prize
- Blanche Gardner Whitecar Memorial Prize
- Irene M. Mock Memorial Commencement Award
Merit Awards (For our undergraduate students)
- Marie B. Connolly Scholarships
- Frances F. Curran Service Scholarship
- Arthur and Virginia Lebo Osol Scholarship
- Blanche Gardner Whitecar Memorial Scholarship
- Friends of USP Scholarship
For more information about Friends of USP, contact Gloria Goodwin at g.goodwi@usciences.edu.