GEM Chips - AAUW Asheville

Spring 2015
2015
Spring
GEM Chips
The GEM Fund: AAUW Asheville Scholarship Endowment, Inc.
GEM Celebrates 13 Years of Supporting Higher
Education for Women in Buncombe County,
Spring Fund Drive Underway
2015 marks the thirteenth anniversary of the GEM Fund and this school year the fund awarded
fifteen scholarships to students in Buncombe County: 13 scholarships for A-B Tech students and
two for UNCA students. Next year GEM will award a record 19 scholarships. To maintain or
expand this level of support, we need your help.
For those of you new to AAUW and to friends and family of AAUW Asheville members, please
know that the GEM Fund is the philanthropic arm of AAUW Asheville, with the sole purpose of
raising funds for a permanent endowment and active undergraduate scholarship fund for women
whose college educations have been interrupted or delayed. Since its inception in 2002, beginning
with a single scholarship of $500, GEM has awarded 92 scholarships, totaling $93,000. These
scholarships are funded solely by the amazing generosity of the AAUW Asheville family, friends,
and local business partners.
This year’s annual Spring Fund Drive will honor our branch’s centennial birthday, offering
multiple giving options, including three levels of Centennial Sponsorship, starting with a gift of
$100 or more at the Centennial level. If you have never before been a GEM Sponsor, this would
be a great year to start — in special honor of our branch’s 100th birthday. Fund Drive activities
will culminate with the fundraiser party on June 7. On page 7 you can find a description of all the
ways you can participate in the fund drive and detailed information on the fundraiser party and
activities. Please join us at the party and in supporting higher education for women.
“Birthday Dollars for Scholars”
Still Going Strong in Second Year
Jeanne Smolkin’s “Birthday Dollars for Scholars” is well underway for a second year,
having netted $5,000 since the beginning of the current fiscal year (July 2014). Each
month Jeanne sends out an e-mail to branch members that includes a link to a Survey
Monkey site that lists all the members with birthdays for the next two months. Members
may then check the names of those whom they wish to honor with a card from GEM,
which Jeanne personally sends out. The “birthday members” then receive a special card
listing the names of all those other members who contributed to GEM in honor of their
birthday. The cards for both 2014 and 2015 were designed and printed by AAUW Asheville member Alice Doner. Jeanne says approximately 30% of members have participated
through contributions. Let’s raise that percentage: if you haven’t participated in this
program, check it out. This is a great way to honor friends and, at the same time, start a woman on her way
toward higher education - a win for all. For more information, contact Jeanne at 254-7489.
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Spring GEM Chips, 2015
What GEM is all about: Changing women’s Lives
through Education
Thanks to the generosity of the AAUW Asheville family, GEM awarded 15 scholarships for the
current academic year: twelve $1000 scholarships to students at A-B Tech, plus a special award
of $1500 to a student enrolled in the Culinary Arts program; and two $2000 scholarships to
students at UNCA. This is what GEM is all about. Following are excerpts from letters from
most of our GEM Scholars, describing what a GEM scholarship has meant for them.
Brittany is currently enrolled in the RIBN program, Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at
A-B Tech. Upon graduation, she plans to transfer to Western Carolina University to pursue a
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She writes,
BRITTANY BALLARD
The GEM Fund scholarship will help me tremendously, covering the cost of all of my books
and part of my tuition for the entire year. As a nursing student, I do my best to balance my
full time job without sacrificing time for school. Receiving help from a caring group of
people like yourselves helps to ease the financial stress that comes from taking time off to
study. The chance to graduate as a nurse with a bachelor's degree will ensure that I cannot
only support my future family and give them a nice life, but that I can also care for and heal
those around me, and especially comforting those who I love, because of my education.
Leah is currently enrolled in the College Transfer Degree (AA) program at A-B Tech. She
plans to graduate in December 2015 and transfer to a four-year university. She writes,
LEAH BATEMAN
I am currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree at Asheville-Buncombe
Technical Community College and am in the process of completing transfer
applications to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology and further focus on gaining
admittance into medical school, goals that have been made all the more possible
through the award I have received from you all. The values set forth by the American
Association of University Women closely align with my own and I am looking
forward to being a part of this organization.
Sasha is currently enrolled in the College Transfer Degree (AA) program at A-B Tech and
plans to graduate in December 2014. She writes,
SASHA BOWERY
Having the opportunity to attend college has opened up more doors for a successful
future, one that I didn't think was possible for me a few years ago. I am very
determined once I get my mind set on a goal. I will be finishing my Associate in Arts
degree by the spring of 2015. Once I finish my time at A-B Tech, I will b e a t t e n d i n g
a university to complete my BSN and then moving toward my MSN. I plan on using my
degrees to help people, the way that people like you have helped me attain my goals.
— continued on page 3
AAUW Asheville Scholarship Endowment, Inc.
Page 3
The Faces of GEM, cont.
Janet is currently enrolled in the College Transfer Degree (AA) program at A-B Tech. She
writes,
I am the GEM fund’s target demographic! I am a "“dislocated worker" since
having my position cut in 2011. I now have a part-time position. I have loved
the process of getting an education at A-B Tech and I know this is the
strongest direction for me go in to accomplish my goals.
JANET CONTENTO
I am currently getting my Associate in Arts degree because I plan on moving on
to a four year university. I believe that every situation presents opportunities
and I realize that my experience and the education I am getting right now are
the right combination to ensure this next stage of my work life is the best one
yet! Your generosity is allowing me to stay on this path .
Beth is currently enrolled in the College Associate in Fine Arts Degree (AFA) program at A-B
Tech. She writes,
My life has changed in many good ways since being able to attend classes here. I've
learned many things and have shown through example to my children that you can
do whatever you set your mind to do. My son has high aspirations of attending
college now as well and, at 11, he is very determined, as am I, to achieve our goals.
With the help of this scholarship, I'm making my dreams come true.
BETH ECKER
I plan to use my degree in Fine Arts to establish my own business in painting, utilizing
my artistic abilities to continue art as a muralist, using restorative techniques, a n d
artistic finishes that require art experience and knowledge. I plan to transfer to
another college and continue my education in the Arts. My long term life achievement
is to attain my Masters in Fine Art .
Jessica is currently enrolled in the College Transfer Degree (AA) program at A-B Tech.
She writes,
It means a lot to me to receive this scholarship. When I started college at A-B Tech
this past semester, it was the first time that I fully committed to doing my best work
towards my education. I made a goal to achieve a 4.0 average and learn as much as
possible. I am an Associate in Science major at A-B Tech. I plan to transfer to UNCA
JESSICA FINK
where I will complete a BS in Biology or Geology. Science interests and challenges me.
I am still exploring career options to decide what specific career I want after I
graduate. I am looking for a career that inspires me, where I help others. In the past I
have studied Art and Sustainable Agriculture. I hope to incorporate my knowledge of
those fields into my future career.
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Spring GEM Chips, 2015
The Faces of GEM, cont.
Anne is currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts Degree program at A-B Tech and, as
such, is the recipient of a unique GEM “future chef’s” award. She writes
ANNE GIBSON
Attending the Culinary Arts program has given me the opportunity to fulfill a long time
passion and dream. I began the program in August of 2013 and have gained an immense
knowledge of the culinary world. I completed my internship at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
where I am still employed. The internship/job has given me a hands on experience of
combining the knowledge learned in the Culinary Arts Program with a real life
commercial kitchen. My plans are to continue working at The Cliffs through my
graduation. Once I graduate, I plan to complete the Baking and Pastry Program at
Asheville-Buncombe Technical College to gain the complete realm of the kitchen.
Susan is currently enrolled in the Associates in Arts (College Transfer) Degree program at A-B
Tech and plans to graduate in May 2015. She writes,
SUSAN LIPPOLD
My future is bright and very exciting. I will be transferring to UNC Asheville in the fall of
2015, pursuing a degree in Sociology with teaching licensure. Once I receive my
Bachelor's Degree, I will continue on to achieve my Master's Degree in Sociology and then
hope to make major contributions back to society with all that I have learned. Being
acknowledged by the American Association of University Women gives me the confidence
to make my dreams come true and then going on to help others be successful in their
lives.
Cherish is currently enrolled in the Associates in Fine Arts (AFA) Degree program at A–B Tech.
She writes,
CHERISH MILLER
I am a 41 year old single mother that, after years of raising my babies, decided it was
time to finally go back and get those degrees I had always dreamed of. Since the first
half of my life has been filled with hardship and all the things I had to do, I
decided to follow my dreams and make the second half full of happiness. After I
receive my Associates in the Arts, I will be transferring to UNCA to earn my
Bachelors. After that, the sky is the limit! As I strive to improve the lives of my
family by getting my education, it warms my heart to know there are people out there
that care if I succeed.
Misty is currently enrolled in the College Transfer Degree (AA) program and plans to graduate
in May 2015. She writes,
MISTY STOVER
I have decided to finish the degree that I started in 1996 . Returning to college is giving me
the chance to teach my two children the importance of education as well as reap the
benefits of higher education in my career goals. My children are so proud of me. They are
learning how difficult college studies can be, as well as the importance of putting school
high on their list of priorities. In addition to being a student, I work full time at a hospital
where they are focusing on the importance of education and degrees in all positions
throughout the organization. Obtaining my Associate in Arts degree will provide the
opportunity for growth as well as more choices in my career path. It is a stepping stone
allowing me to continue my education and acquire my Bachelor's Degree.
—
AAUW Asheville Scholarship Endowment, Inc.
Page 5
The Faces of GEM, cont.
Nova is currently enrolled in the College Transfer Degree (AA) program at A-B Tech and plans
to graduate in May 2015. Nova writes,
NOVA STUARTJAMERSON
My journey into college started at the age of sixteen. I tested high on my scores
and proceeded to start college ahead of many. I completed two years of general
education requirements at Mars Hill and the University of North Carolina in
Asheville. At age nineteen, I was completing my second year of college. Then I had a
very unusual circumstance, unexpected but wonderful gift of a beautiful baby
boy whom I a m p roud to call my son. I put on hold my education for many years
to raise my child. That child is now an adult, moving forward with his life, despite
having mental health wellness challenges. Now, I am completing my education to
better my future as well.
Simultaneously, after being laid off from two jobs back-to-back, I was accepted and
am currently in training for a pharmacy technician position within the CVS
Pharmacy Corporation. It is hard work -- in addition to family, going to college,
training and working for CVS and completing their education courses. It is
definitely worth it to give myself a different future, as well as my family. It is people
that create the GEM Fund and other scholarships that give people such as myself a
chance to do something positive moving forward.
I have over a 3.5 grade point average, I a m in two honor societies and have a busy
schedule with pharmacy technician training, family and friends. I have never felt more
thankful, more motivated, and determined than ever before. Thank you for helping me
to give myself a boost towards an even better future. I, too, one day soon, will give
back to the GEM Fund to help others on a similar path like me, to be able to give
themselves a different future.
Christine is currently enrolled in the College Transfer (AA) Degree program at A-B Tech.
It means the world to my family and me to know that you saw potential in me
enough to invest in my education. This scholarship will give me the ability to
concentrate on my studies and help me finish my last semester at A-B Tech strong.
CHRISTINE SYMS
At the end of this semester, I will be graduating with an Associates of Arts Degree
and then in the Spring I will be starting at UNCA. Here I will be working towards a
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a K-6 licensure. I have hopes to one day be in
front of a classroom sharing the joys of learning with our next generations.
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Spring GEM Chips, 2015
The Faces of GEM, cont.
Joan Linda Claire Mandeng is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina
Asheville, working toward a career teaching French, with a minor in chemistry. She
writes,
JOAN MANDENG
I am originally from Cameroon, situated in Central Africa on the west coast and I
have been living in the States for about four years now. Previously living in Atlanta, I
had the feeling that I could live and study in a better environment and that’s when I
decided to transfer to UNCA. I have always known that I wanted to pursue some
studies in French. The only problem with my dream is that there was no possibility
for me to pay my tuition, especially when applying as an “out of state” student.
Thank you for making my dream come true. Now, not only am I pursuing my studies
in a wonderful community with the most dedicated teachers, I am also able to live on
campus, which enables me to fully focus on my studies and fulfill my dream.
Over the last thirteen years, the GEM Fund of AAUW Asheville has awarded over 90 scholarships totaling close to $100,000. The words from this year’s scholars show how GEM (and the branch members,
friends, and family who support it) have changed lives. During that time we have also forged a bond
with the scholarship folks at A-B Tech. As a consequence, GEM/AAUW Asheville is the only
organization outside of A-B Tech to be allowed to use the facilities at Fernihurst, the location of our
annual fundraiser. Below are some words from staff at A-B Tech, including a handwritten note from the
new president:
— continued on page 5
AAUW Asheville Scholarship Endowment, Inc.
Page 7
2015 GEM Fund Drive Salutes
AAUW Asheville’s Centennial Birthday
As you know, 2015 marks the one hundredth birthday of AAUW Asheville. Consequently, GEM ‘s annual spring fund drive
is dedicated to our original founding sisters. Imagine what it would have been like for women in 1915 seeking a college
degree. At that time, women did not even have the vote. The barriers facing women seeking higher education in 2015 are
different but perhaps no less daunting for many. Hence, in 2002 our branch, in its amazing wisdom and generosity, created
the GEM Fund, whose sole purpose is to raise funds to help women whose college careers have been interrupted or delayed.
Typically, our scholars range in age from mid-twenties to mid-fifties. What they all have in common is a desire to better
their lives — and those of their families — through education. What could be more in keeping with the mission of
AAUW? If you have never participated in the GEM fund drive, never been a GEM sponsor, or never contributed
in any other way, this year — our Centennial year — would be a great time to start.
The annual fund drive begins in mid April and
continues through mid June, culminating the in the
fundraiser party. At right is the invitation to the
party that you should have received in the mail.
On page 8, you can read more about party details.
If you cannot attend or, if parties are not your
thing, please know that there are several ways to
participate in the fund drive and help women to
achieve their potential through education.
Giving Options
As in previous years, this year’s fund drive includes a
number of giving options:



Attendance at the fundraiser party at $50 per
person
Bidding in the GEM Friends Silent Auction and/
or purchasing tickets for chances on items in the
Raffle
Sponsorship at one of three gifting levels:
 Millennial
 Quincentennial
 Centennial



$1000 or more
$500 to $999
$100 to $499
Other contributions in any amount
Sponsorships or contributions as
tributes
Legacy gift to GEM as part of your will
Note that reservations for the June 7 party are
separate from sponsorships and other contributions.
All non-reservation donations are acknowledged and
donors may designate how their contributions are to
be distributed. Return the giving card you
received in the mail, along with your check made
out to the GEM Fund, to Helen McClintock at
2 Nichols Hill Drive Extension;
Asheville, NC 28804.
Sunday, June 7
4 — 6
At the Historic Fernihurst Mansion
on the A-B Tech Campus
Spring GEM Chips, 2015
Page
Page88
Annual Fundraiser Party at Fernihurst
Becoming
A GEM Tradition
Tributes

In memory of Bebe Kelly & all GEM Board
members, past and present: Pat Argue
The Mansion
 In memory of Mary Hyde’s special birthday
from literature book club: Pat Argue



In honor of Pat Argue and her service to the
GEM Board: Bev Briedis, Marilyn Kolton,
& Martha McMullen and Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts
In memory of Bebe Kelly, the mother of Pat
Argue: Melinda Brown, Susan Fishbein,
Marilyn Kolton, Helen McClintock, Martha
McMullen, Jacque Morgan, Fran Myers,
Mary Powell, Jill Preyer, Jeanne Smolkin, &
Kathleen Thibodeau
In honor of Ann Clarke Snell and her work
as GEM Fundraiser Chairperson: Scherry
Chapman, Eugenia Harrell, & Marjorie Her-

In honor of the good health of the Quinn
family: Mary Hyde

In honor of Emily Quinn’s son Duncan — a
speedy and complete recovery: Jayne Gallanger

In memory of Sylvia Piecuch: Marilyn Kolton

In honor of Norma Snapp and her service to
AAUW: Constance MacDonald

In honor of Jill Preyer: Eleanor Johnson

In honor of Irene’s 80th birthday and Irv
Rothberg’s 90th birthday: Gladys Podhurst

In honor of Laura Brown Quinn, mother-inlaw: Emily Quinn
The Music
 Pat Argue
 Jillian Johnson
 Fran Myers
 Patricia Ashe
 Elaine Kabat
 Gladys Podhurst
 Catharine Battle
 Sandy and Al Kaplan
 Mary Powell
 Bev Briedis
 Marilyn Kolton
 Elizabeth Preyer
 Melinda Brown
 Mary Kirk
 Jill Preyer
 Sherry Brown
 Marilyn Kolton
 Sue Reynolds
 Barbara Campbell
 Pamela Lane
 Nancy Schuman
 Scherry Chapman
 Mary Lasher
 Jan Schwartz
 Susan Fishbein
 Betty Letzig
 Ruth Slawson
 Jayne Gallanger
 Renée Levine
 Jeanne Smolkin
 Louise Haas
 Anne and Robert Louttit
 Ruth Slawson
 Eugenia Harrell
 Constance MacDonald
 Norma Snap
 Suzanne Harter
 Barbara Mayer
 Ann Clarke Snell
 Marjorie Herbert
 Helen McClintock
 Juanita Spanogle
 Carolyn Hubbard
 Martha McMullen
 Peg Steiner
 Mary Hyde
 Arlene Merritt
 The Hughes-Cunningham
 Eleanor Johnson
 Eve Miller
 Marion Johnson
 Jacque Morgan
The Food
Small bites, pictured on
Michelle Kelley’s website
CrackerJackChef.com.
bert
Fund, Vanguard Charitable
Endowment Program
Fall GEM Chips, 2014
Page
Page99
The Fun of Giving
Tributes

In memory of Bebe Kelly & all GEM Board
members, past and present: Pat Argue

In memory of Mary Hyde’s special birthday
from literature book club: Pat Argue

In honor of Pat Argue and her service to the
GEM Board: Bev Briedis, Marilyn Kolton,
& Martha McMullen and Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts

In memory of Bebe Kelly, the mother of Pat
Argue: Melinda Brown, Susan Fishbein,
Marilyn Kolton, Helen McClintock, Martha
McMullen, Jacque Morgan, Fran Myers,
Mary Powell, Jill Preyer, Jeanne Smolkin, &
Kathleen Thibodeau
bert

In honor of Ann Clarke Snell and her work
as GEM Fundraiser Chairperson: Scherry
Chapman, Eugenia Harrell, & Marjorie Her-
In honor of the good again
healthat
of Fernihurst
the Quinn — a
family: Mary Hyde
lovely tradition

In honor of Emily Quinn’s son Duncan — a
speedy and complete recovery: Jayne Gallanger

In memory of Sylvia Piecuch: Marilyn Kolton

In honor of Norma Snapp and her service to
AAUW: Constance MacDonald

In honor of Jill Preyer: Eleanor Johnson

In honor of Irene’s 80thwine,
birthday
and Irv
catered
by the
Rothberg’s 90th birthday: Gladys Podhurst

In honor of Laura Brown
Quinn,Kelly
mother-inMichelle
law: Emily Quinn Live music
 Great conversation
And What We Wore

Fundraiser to be held once
 Fabulous food and
“CrackerJack Chef,”
 Raffle Prizes
 Pat Argue
 Jillian Johnson
 Myers
GEM Friends
 Fran
 Patricia Ashe
 Elaine Kabat
 GladysAuction,
Podhurstfeaturing
 Catharine Battle
 Sandy and Al Kaplan
 Mary services
Powell
 Bev Briedis
 Marilyn Kolton
 Elizabeth
Preyer
experiences
 Melinda Brown
 Mary Kirk
 Jill Preyer
by our
 Sherry Brown
 Marilyn Kolton
 Sue Reynolds
 Barbara Campbell
 Pamela Lane
 Nancy Schuman
 Scherry Chapman
 Mary Lasher
 Jan Schwartz
 Susan Fishbein
 Betty Letzig
 Ruth Slawson
 Jayne Gallanger
 Renée Levine
 Jeanne Smolkin
 Louise Haas
 Anne and Robert Louttit
century mansion
 Ruth Slawson
 Eugenia Harrell
 Constance MacDonald
 Chance
 Norma
Snap to
 Suzanne Harter
 Barbara Mayer
 Ann Clarke
greatSnell
hat to
 Marjorie Herbert
 Helen McClintock
 Juanita
Spanogle
our
founding
 Carolyn Hubbard
 Martha McMullen
 Peg Steiner
members
 Mary Hyde
 Arlene Merritt
 The Hughes-Cunningham
 Eleanor Johnson
 Eve Miller
 Marion Johnson
 Jacque Morgan
Silent
and
offered
members and
friends
 Chance to meet our
GEM Scholars
 Tour the historic 19th
wear a
honor
& salute
our branch’s
Fund, Vanguard Charitable
centennial birthday
Endowment Program
Page 16
Spring GEM Chips, 2015
The GEM Fund
As the philanthropic arm of AAUW Asheville, the GEM Fund supports AAUW’s
mission of empowering women by breaking down educational and economic barriers.
GEM raises funds to award undergraduate scholarships to women whose college
educations have been interrupted or delayed. Our goal is to help these women attend
local colleges, “Gaining Educational Momentum (GEM).”
Board of Directors
LaDean Peterson, President
Ways to Make Our GEM Shine
Susan Grabel, First Vice-President
Alice Doner, Second Vice-President
Jeanne Smolkin, Treasurer
Helen McClintock, Secretary
Karen Mauro, Finance Committee
Chairwoman
Pat Argue, Past President & Advisor
Marilyn Kolton
Pat Kutay
Millie Massey
Jill Preyer
Emily Quinn
The GEM Fund is supported entirely by contributions or funds
earned on investments from prior contributions. We accept many
types of donations, including cash, stock, insurance policies, and
legacy gifts. Donors may specify whether they want their contributions to go to the
active scholarship fund, which funds scholarships for the coming school year, and/or to
the permanent endowment fund, which ensures that money for scholarships will be
available for future years. (See page 6 for more information on this topic.) In addition
to making direct contributions, there are some other important ways to make a gift to
GEM:
Ann Snell, AAUW Asheville
President & Representative
Alice Doner, “GEM Chips” Editor
The Beatrice Rice Wells Legacy Society
The Beatrice Rice Wells Legacy Society comprises a special group of donors who
have graciously designated a contribution to the GEM Fund in their wills. Providing for a
donation to GEM in your will is an especially powerful way to support GEM and our GEM
scholars, a gift that truly does keep on giving. For more information, contact Jill Preyer at
jillpreyer@gmail.com.
For more information,
contact board
president LaDean
Peterson at 828-6503005 or ldjp704
@gmail.com.
The GEM Fund of
AAUW Asheville
4B Long Shoals Road, #135
Arden, NC. 288704
Tributes to Loved Ones and Friends
To honor the memory of a loved one or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, holiday, graduation or just to celebrate those important people in your life, consider making a gift to the
GEM Fund. Additionally, you may want to honor a good friend; in the AAUW Asheville newsletter, you will find a list of that month’s member birthdays. Wish them a “Happy Birthday”
and, for special friends, consider making a gift to the GEM Fund in their honor. GEM will
send word of your thoughtfulness to you and your honoree. Not only do these gifts honor
loved ones; tributes and legacy gifts help worthy women get an education they might not
otherwise have. See page 5 of this newsletter to find examples of what GEM contributions
support.
The Gem Fund has 501(c)3 status and, as such, all contribution to GEM are entirely tax deductible.
Contributions an any amount are gratefully accepted and acknowledged. Contributions, with checks
made out to the GEM Fund, may be sent to THE GEM FUND at 4B Long Shoals Road, #135; Arden, NC;
288704.
Note: During the fund drive season (April—June 2015), please send all contributions to GEM Fund
Drive, c/o Helen McClintock at 2 Nichols Hill Drive Extension; Asheville, NC; 28804. In addition,
you may purchase tickets to the June 7, 2015, fundraiser by returning the giving sheet, mailed
with the invitations, and your check in the stated amount to Helen at the same address.