Date: January 3, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, January 3, 2007 – Delores Turner of Robbins understands the importance of community, the necessity of giving back to it, and value in supporting its members. She devoted 34 years to teaching first graders and now devotes much of her time to supporting the Ralph R. and Delores Turner Endowed Scholarship Foundation at Governors State University.
The recently expanded scholarship now provides $1000 a year to a student studying to be an elementary school teacher and to a student studying either political or social sciences.
“We first began the scholarship in honor of my husband, Ralph,” explained Turner. “He always wanted to complete his education. After he retired from the Post Office, he went to college when he was 57. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Governors State.”
The scholarship fund is supported by donations from the Turner family and donors who recognize the need to offer educational opportunities to adult students. Adding the scholarship in elementary education reflects Turner’s devotion to education and children.
“I enjoyed every minute of my years as a teacher. I always believed there wasn’t a child I could not teach. I wanted to help others become teachers.”
Turner strongly believes that many people like her husband wish to complete their degrees even if they need to return to school as adults. They need only the opportunity, and, sometimes, a little encouragement and financial assistance.
“Those who drop out of college can continue their educations, help themselves, and be examples to their own kids,” added Turner. “These scholarships are a way for us to give back to the community.”
The Governors State University Foundation awards the Turner scholarships.
“These scholarships are directly in line with our university’s strategic plan to educate a diverse community of leaders,” said Dr. James Britt, Vice President and CEO of the Governors State University Foundation. “We appreciate Mrs. Turner’s commitment to creating educational opportunities for deserving adults within the community. This scholarship and scholarships like it help us provide greater access to higher education.”
