Media Relations
William Woods University

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

“We want to thank The Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Emerson Charitable Trust, The H & R Block Bank and Foundation, and 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 Enterprise Holdings Foundation has committed $15,200 in scholarships to the 16 MCF member schools.  Each of the 16 MCF member schools will be able to award a $950 scholarship based on financial need to outstanding qualified students.

The Emerson Charitable Trust is providing $16,000 in need-based scholarships to the MCF member schools.  Each of the member schools will be able to award a $1,000 scholarship to students studying to receive degrees in math and science.

The H & R Block Bank and Foundation has committed $10,000 in scholarships to underwrite need-based scholarships at the 16 MCF member schools.  Scholarships will be awarded to students studying toward attaining degrees in science and math. 

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.

“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.”

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 these gifts from The Enterprise Holdings Foundation and the Emerson Charitable Trust,” says Mike Backer, MCF President. “Through these grants, they recognize 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.

 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.