BARB SCHMELZLE PROMISE AWARD FOR WOMEN
Barb Schmelzle was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. She attended Carroll College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Barb worked as an Occupational Therapist in Hayward, Antigo, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Dunn County and particularly enjoyed working in Home Health Care. Barb was a third generation member of the P.E.O. sisterhood. She cared deeply about the organization and her “sisters.” A lifelong, avid Badger and Packer fan, Barb never tired of seeing Bucky Badger and the Badger band.
Family was very important to Barb. She was deeply devoted to, and loved her husband, two sons, and daughters in law, her grandchildren, siblings, and cousins. A true nature lover at heart, Barb enjoyed bird watching, raising monarch butterflies, and observing the loons at the family cottage. She kept track of the eagles out the back window of the house, at the cottage, and online in Decorah, Iowa.
Barb was kind, loving and understanding of all people. She was warm and welcoming and had a unique gift for connecting on a personal level with those she encountered by making them feel special and valued. Barb was also a supporter of women’s education.
Her family established the Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women Fund after Barb’s death in 2019 to honor her love of learning and ability to connect with individuals. This award will be given to help non-traditional women students experiencing financial need and who have experienced extreme and adverse life experiences make progress towards furthering their education in any field.
A gift to this fund was made in memory of Barb’s mother, Shirley Schmid Cuff. Barb would not have been the person she was without Shirley’s love and support. The two shared a commitment to family, appreciation of nature and avid interest in the people and world around them.
The application opens in May each year through the deadline of 5pm, July 1st. One award is available of up to $1,000. The award is to be paid directly to the recipient, to be used for approved education-related expenses or is paid to a direct educational institution of the recipient’s choice, upon proof of enrollment. The following criteria apply: For questions, contact the Community Foundation of Dunn County by emailing info@cfdunncounty.org or calling (715) 232-8019.
Application Cycle opens May 1 each year with a deadline of July 1, 5 pm.
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
- Applicants must be women residing in Dunn County and surrounds, age 18 years or older.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are non-traditional students. Nontraditional students are defined as students who did not go directly to college the fall following high school; are returning to college, after a break in studies, to complete her degree; or are changing careers to pursue other employment options.
- Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need and/or extenuating life circumstances, as provided on their application.
- Awards are to be used to remove any barrier to the pursuit of the applicant’s educational endeavors. Examples may include but are not limited to paying for college textbooks, technical supplies, tuition, assistance with past due tuition bills, fees for professional licensing exams, etc.
- Applicants must submit a completed Application Form by the deadline. The award is non-renewable.