Social Work Student receives $2,000 Scholarship
Facing the college tuition increases mandated across the State, Marty Fortenberry, a graduate social work student (MSW) from Jackson, Mississippi, received a welcome surprise from the Mary S. Nelums Scholarship Foundation. In late January 2010, the Foundation awarded Fortenberry a $2,000 financial scholarship.
The Foundation was founded in 2007 by the premier Masters of Social Work class (1995-1997), Jackson State University School of Social Work. Dr. Mary Nelums, in whose honor the Foundation is named, is a retired social work professor who dedicated her professional life to promoting public knowledge of social work. The scholarship is awarded to social work students who display the same kind of strong commitment and dedication to excellence in social work practice for which Dr. Nelums is known.
Nelums’ passion for and commitment to the social work profession continues to be evident in her work as the Foundation’s president. She is devoted to the Foundation’s mission of providing financial scholarships to master level social work students so that they may complete their graduate degree. “These students then go on to secure employment that allows them to assist with and ameliorate some of the serious and debilitating social problems that plaque people and communities, said Foundation leaders. “That’s work that ultimately benefits us all.”
Fortenberry, the Foundation’s awardee this year, is a second-year student and has maintained a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The essay Fortenberry submitted to support his application for the scholarship impressed the Foundation board. Currently employed in a temporary position with the Mississippi Urban Research Center at Jackson State University, his prior work and life experiences demonstrate a strong passion, dedication, and commitment to the social work profession.
Growing up in Picayune, Mississippi, in a large family, Fortenberry first received a strong work ethic and a solid value system from his parents. They taught all of their children to never let an opportunity pass to help someone who is less fortunate.
He credits his work in public and community health to Dr. Aaron Shirley. He said under Dr. Shirley’s tutelage he learned first hand the many needs of underserved families and communities”.
He said “Dr.Burson was instrumental in encouraging me to apply for the scholarship. I never thought that I would receive the scholarship.” Fortenberry said, “I am a spiritual person, so I’m not ashamed to say that I prayed and asked the Lord that his Divine will be done. I thank Dr. Nelums and the Board for this scholarship because it came at a time when I had been laid off from my job. It just proves that the Lord answers prayer and he places you in the presence of people who believe in him”.
The Mary S. Nelums Scholarship Foundation is scheduled to award scholarships for the 2010 fall semester 2011 spring semester.
Donations to the scholarship fund should be made to: Mary S. Nelums Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 12385, Jackson, MS 39236. All donations are tax-deductible.
