LRW accepting Connie Sumara Scholarship applications
Written by Staff and newswire report
League of Railway Women
The League of Railway Women (LRW) announced April 24 that it is accepting applications for the Connie Sumara Memorial Scholarship.
The $2,000 scholarship—awarded to a woman involved in the rail industry who’s pursuing post-secondary studies—honors the memory of LRW founder and longest-serving President Connie Sumara.
Applications will be accepted until June 14, with the winner being announced in early July. The $2,000 award is higher than the $1,500 scholarship offered last year.
In order to qualify, applicants must be a woman who: holds a GPA of 3.0 or higher; is currently employed by a railroad or railway-related business for a minimum of 12 months; and is currently enrolled as at least a part-time student (six hours per spring/fall semester). Previous winners are not eligible.
“Education is the foundation for connecting and cultivating women in rail,” said LRW President Tanis Peterson. “We know that pursuing post-secondary studies can be costly and want to provide this sum to a deserving student and help her get one step closer to achieving her goals.”
Sumara, who died March 2, 2014, worked for 26 years at Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co., beginning her career as office manager and ultimately working her way up to Vice President & Director of Customer Support before retiring in November 2012. She served as a mentor for many young women at CFCL and dozens of women she met through her LRW connections. In retirement, Connie remained active in the rail industry as CFCL’s liaison with Illinois Operation Lifesaver, where she visited schools, municipalities and other organizations to deliver IOL’s safety and education messages. She also continued her position on the LRW board as Director at Large.
