Chicago College of Optometry Student Receives Diversity Scholarship

Chicago College of Optometry Student Receives Diversity Scholarship

Midwestern University announces the first recipients of the new Diversity Scholarship that provides need-based scholarships for qualified students on both the Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona campuses. Courtney Marsh, a third-year student at the Chicago College of Optometry, was one of students who received the scholarship.

In her application, Ms. Marsh recalls her early experience working with her family to advocate for early childhood vision screenings. As part of this outreach effort, she helped provide the community with information about the important link between good visual health and educational success. Ms. Marsh is pleased to be able to continue her commitment to service as a student at the Chicago College of Optometry where she is serving as president of her optometry class, president of the Optometry Private Practice Club, president and founder of the Downers Grove Campus chapter of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), student ambassador, and member of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. “This scholarship represents hope for change. I have chosen a field where I am not usually surrounded by people that look like me,” Ms. Marsh said. “I believe opportunities like this will increase applications within the minority community. I hope to one day be an example to others.”

“Through the generosity of the Response Team and members of the faculty and staff of Midwestern University, we raised more than $80,000 to begin the Midwestern University Diversity Scholarship,” said Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University. “Many wonderful, qualified, and worthy students applied for the new scholarships and we are honored to help support their academic goals.”

Students from all Colleges and Programs at Midwestern University are eligible to apply for the scholarships that will be awarded annually. The MWU Diversity Scholarship is part of the University’s 5-Step Plan for Greater Diversity and Inclusion and an addition to the already robust scholarship opportunities available to Midwestern University students.