Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Elaine Wojtowicz

December 9, 2014

Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Elaine Wojtowicz

<Address>

<City, State, Zip>

Dear Joe and Elaine,

I am pleased to tell you that the School of Social Work’s Scholarship and Awards Committee has awarded the 2014Joseph and Elaine Wojtowicz Scholarshipto [student name], a second year MSW student.

[Student name] is currently placed at the VA Hospital in Tomah, WI, working on their acute psychiatric unit. In addition, she is employed as a special needs adoption worker at Lutheran Social Services in LaCrosse.

Few students come to the profession of social work with more direct experience in the social services system. At age 4, [student name], along with her 3 siblings, was placed in the Wisconsin foster care system. She remained in foster care until, at age of 18, when she “aged out” of care. As [student name] explains in her scholarship application, “My plan for the future is to becomea consistent and effective social worker. I am committed to providing permanency, empowerment, and strengthbased care to those I will have the opportunity to work with throughout my career. I have worked diligently and tirelessly to afford myself the opportunities that I have had in the social work profession. My plan is to continue working hard and provide the best care possible for those I work with.”

[Student name] has been active in the child welfare system for many years. In 2010, she received the “Exceptional Foster Care Youth” award from Governor Walker and she was recently elected Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Youth Advisory Council.

[Student name] has been financially independent since age 17. Although she works and has her field placement in La Crosse, she commutes to Madison weekly to attend classes. Although we have many students in the MSW program who work hard and need financial assistance,to complete their degree, I can think of few more worthy of your support than [student name].

As always, the School is very appreciative for the generous support you are providing for our students.

Sincerely,

Mel Morgenbesser

Alumni Relations and Development