Media Relations
William Woods University

Westminster College and William Woods University have each received scholarship donations from The UPS Foundation through the Missouri Colleges Fund (MCF).

“We want to thank The UPS Foundation for these gifts,” says Dr. George B. Forsythe, President of Westminster.  “Only through public/private partnerships can we make the kind of strong investment in higher education that our students deserve.”

 

The UPS Foundation has committed $38,400 in scholarships to underwrite a $2,400 need-based scholarship at each of the 16 MCF member schools.

 

The scholarships are made possible by a grant from the UPS Educational Endowment Fund administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C.

 

William Woods University President Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett notes, “These contributions recognize the importance of education and the significant impact that an educated workforce has on Missouri’s economy.”

 

 “The Missouri Colleges Fund is very grateful for this gift from the UPS Educational Endowment Fund,” says Mike Backer, MCF President. “Through this grant, UPS recognizes the importance of education and the significant impact that an educated workforce has on Missouri’s economy.” 

 

MCF was incorporated in 1952 as a partnership of private enterprise and the member independent colleges and universities in the Show-Me-State. The MCF is a 501 © (3) tax-exempt corporation; therefore, all contributions to the MCF are tax-deductible up to the limits prescribed by law.

 

MCF member schools are independent baccalaureate degree-granting liberal arts and comprehensive colleges and universities in the state of Missouri.  Their income is derived primarily from private sources.

 

In addition to Westminster College and William Woods University, MCF member schools include:  Avila University, Kansas City; Central Methodist University, Fayette; Columbia College, Columbia; Culver Stockton College, Canton; Drury University, Springfield; Evangel University, Springfield; Fontbonne University, St. Louis; Hannibal-LaGrange University, Hannibal; Maryville University, St. Louis; Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis; Park University, Parkville; Rockhurst University, Kansas City; Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar; and William Jewell College, Liberty.

 

Founded in 1907, UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services.  Its educational endowment has awarded over $48 million in scholarships to over 16,000 students since its inception and is currently valued at $39 million.

 

“A college degree opens the door to countless opportunities,” says Ken Sternad, President of the UPS Foundation.  “UPS takes great pride in its partnership with CIC and in our support of thousands of students over the years who have been able to pursue an education from our nation’s private colleges.”

 

CIC is an association of nearly 700 independent liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society.

 

“This joint UPS/CIC scholarship program has a direct, tangible impact on the education and careers of hundreds of young men and women each year,” says Richard Ekman, President of CIC.  “Because so many young men and women don’t have the financial resources to complete their college education, the UPS Scholarships are critically important.”

 

More information about the Missouri Colleges Fund can be found online at www.mocollegesfund.org or by contacting MCF President Mike Backer at 573-893-3818.