Elizabeth (Ibby) Danforth was such an important force in The Women’s Society of Washington University (WSWU) that in 1995 the charitable organization renamed its scholarship fund the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship Endowment. The endowment, which has been steadily growing for nearly 30 years, recently received a major boost from the Danforth Foundation. Upon her death earlier this year, the Foundation gave a $100,000 gift to the fund, bringing the total to more than $2 million.
“Ibby Danforth was truly one of the great citizens of Washington University and of St. Louis. Her leadership, inspiration, and dedication have shaped the values and direction of the Women’s Society,” noted Harriet Switzer, secretary to the Board of Trustees and University coordinator for WSWU.
“We are very grateful to the Danforth Foundation for this generous gift that benefits our students,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. “Scholarship funds are essential to attracting the best students to Washington University, and over the years the Danforth Foundation has helped us make significant strides in growing our scholarship opportunities. This special scholarship honors a great leader of Washington University and also strengthens our ties with the St. Louis community.”
The Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship has a specific purpose: Since its creation in 1976 it funds the full two-year tuition costs for a selected transfer student from the St. Louis Community College system to Washington University.
“Both the Women’s Society and our scholarship program meant a great deal to Ibby,” said JoAnn Sanditz, president of WSWU. “She would have been delighted to know the Danforth Foundation is keeping the dream of a Washington University education alive for so many deserving students in our community.”
Since 1976, the fund has been making dreams come true for many area college students. Recipients are selected by a committee of representatives from the University and The Women’s Society. In addition to academic excellence, the committee considers enthusiasm for learning, clarity of goals, potential for leadership, and dedication to community service.
This year, the dream came true for Shahrouz Yousefi. An Iranian, Yousefi came to the U.S. four years ago to escape religious persecution. Arriving in St. Louis alone, speaking no English and knowing no one, he quickly learned the language and used his newly acquired skills to build an impressive academic and leadership record at Forest Park Community College. This fall he enrolled in WUSTL’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.
More than 600 persons currently belong to WSWU, which was founded in 1965 to cultivate ambassadors for the University and to provide services for students, faculty and staff. In addition to gifts, the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship Fund is supported by membership dues and the proceeds from WSWU’s campus store, Bear Necessities, located on the South 40.
The deadline for applications is March 15. Persons interested in transferring to Washington University may send inquiries to the office of undergraduate admissions.