2025 Awardees

Lydia Bissonette of Kalkaska was awarded the 2025 Minnie Votruba Moore Scholarship for the continuing of her studies in Communications at Grand Valley State University. Lydia stated that she is committed to completing her degree with a strong focus on communication principles and strategies accompanied by a minor in management. Her career goal is to seek leadership positions in organizations oriented toward social impact where she hopes to influence and create positive change in her community especially in the
lives of youth. Lydia has demonstrated her interest in mentorship for youth by serving in the role as a Big Sister for “Big Sisters, Big Brothers ”of Northwest Michigan.

Alexandria Dubois of Traverse City, a recipient of one of our 2025 AAUWTC Branch Scholarships, is pursuing a graduate degree at Grand Valley State University in the Field of Medicine as a Physician Assistant. Growing up in a rural home with financial hardships she experienced firsthand the limited access to medical providers in her community which did not result in a good outcome for many. Having knowledge that health care disparities in rural
communities continue to be a pressing issue Alexandria choose the career of Physician Assistant to help bridge the gap in health care by providing high-quality compassionate care to underserved communities. Alexandria states her ultimate goal is to work in primary care or an emergency medicine setting where she can provide comprehensive care and advocate for patients who might otherwise struggle to access medical services.

Desiree Morgan of Traverse City, a recipient of one of our 2025 AAUWTC Branch Scholarships, is studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a major in Multi-Media Arts at Northern Michigan University. Desiree is a first generation university student who has demonstrated resiliency while facing many health challenges and family financial hardships. She states that obtaining the scholarship would help her secure a better future and close the financial gap by obtaining a BFA in her field as that will provide her with more career opportunities and a better economic future. Alexandria has  demonstrated her artistic talent in which she has received awards to include the ADDY Award (American Advertising Award) for a series of posters advertising a 5K Resolution run/walk by Traverse Health Clinic.

2024 Scholarship Winners

Two AAUW Traverse City Branch Scholarships for $2,000 were awarded to: Ashley Hooper of Kingsley Michigan and Natalie Anderson of Traverse City.

This year’s Minnie Votruba Moore scholarship for $2,000 winner is Olivia Bailey of Interlochen Michigan.

Ashley will be attending Davenport University while Natalie and Olivia will be going to Northern Michigan University fall 2024.