The inaugural class of the Elizabeth Hope Reed Fellows Program includes 16 graduate
students. The community service-focused scholarship program was established by late alumna
and longtime educator Elizabeth Reed '41, '51. Reed's gift the largest estate gift in Winthrop University's history — totaled $3
million and was used to create the innovative program.
The inaugural class of the Reed Fellows Program.
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - The first scholars of the Elizabeth Hope Reed Fellows Program will combine studying for graduate-level courses with paying it forward to the community
this academic year.
The 16 fellows will volunteer eight hours weekly in one or more approved service areas.
The service-specific scholarship program was established last year by late alumna and longtime educator Elizabeth Reed '41, '51, who was an advocate of learning through community service. Reed's charitable gift totaling $3 million the largest estate gift in Winthrop's history provides scholarship funds to support both academic and experiential learning.
President Dan Mahony announced the gift at the 2017 State of the University Address because boosting student
engagement locally and globally one of the goals of the fellows program is one of
the hallmarks of the Winthrop Plan, the university's strategic plan through 2025.
Mahony said the Reed Fellows Program supports learning outside of the classroom and
promotes immersing students into community-rich activities.
"Our vision is to inspire students to engage with neighborhoods nestled right here
around this campus as well as global communities that expand their worldview," Mahony
said.
For instance, Virginia Lee Hildreth, who is obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching for secondary English, plans to volunteer at a local Boys & Girls Club or literary
association.
Rachel Labrador hopes to give back to local schools, afterschool programs and tutoring agencies as
she pursues a master's degree in school psychology. Jazmine Diamond, who is part of
the Master of Social Work program, wants to work with local agencies to bring awareness to mental health disparities
among children.
"It is important to reach out to the community because the community of Rock Hill
is what makes Winthrop. It's how we impact the community, how the community [views]
us, and how we create networks for the campus that can eventually lead to our success,"
said Diamond, who is a case manager for Center for Student Wellness on campus.
Mahony said creating and maintaining national caliber programs, like the Reed Fellows,
further cultivates a vibrant, innovative campus.
"The university has long held a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and
building strong relationships among students, faculty and the community," he said.
"We are excited to work with our first class of Reed Fellows and continue that commitment.
We are extremely appreciative of Mrs. Reed's generosity that made this program possible."
The Reed Fellows are:
Master of Education in Counseling & Development
Ashlyn Bordelon, Demetria Perkins
Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Nicole Davenport, Elizabeth Watkins
Master of Arts in Teaching
Andrew Haudricourt, Virginia Hildreth, Margaret Walters
Master of Social Work
Jazmine Diamond, Kailey Ellis
Master of Social Work (Online)
Jade Tuttle
Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Katie Longaker, Meghan Molinari, Kate Parker
Master of Science in School Psychology
Rachel Grider, Rachel Labrador, Alyson Walters
To learn more about legacy giving or estate gift planning, please contact Evan Bohnen,
vice president for university advancement, at bohnene@winthrop.edu, direct 803/323-2275
or toll-free 800/801-1083.
