On Sunday, Oct. 23, the Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund board of directors gathered with partners, supporters, and friends at the River Bend Club in Great Falls for the 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Fall Tea 2022. Among the special guests present were students who had received scholarships from the fund and endowments, Khaseem Davis, director of the Early Identification Program at George Mason University, Kaitlin Cicchetti, Ph.D., director of Advancement University Life at George Mason University, along with the past presidents and board officers.

Directors serving on the fund and others help raise monies to support annual scholarships for deserving higher education students with need in Northern Virginia to help them graduate on time and debt-free. This academic year, the scholarship has made a difference for Iqra Mian, reducing the financial burden associated with obtaining a master's degree. Mian is a first-year student in the nurse practitioner program. "It mentally and physically allowed me to focus more of my time in my classes," she said.

Jabed Hossen is another scholarship recipient. "I appreciate this opportunity given to me by the Women's Club of Great Falls." Hossen said the award allowed him to concentrate more on his studies than on earning money. "It has tremendously helped me pay off my student loans," he said.

Sally Andrew-Pyne emphasized the recent growth achievements of the fund, including scholarships, endowments, the Early Identification Program, and fundraising efforts. The Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund's explosive growth could be attributed to its new mission, vision and strategic plan, she said.

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