The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently received a check from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Maury County Women’s Club for the Karen Spencer Brooks GFWC Memorial Scholarship. 

The Karen Spencer Brooks GFWC Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Karen Brooks, a past GFWC Maury County club president, founding member and Columbia State graduate.

The scholarship is awarded each year to the Columbia State student with the highest GPA who is graduating and transferring to a four-year institution, lives in Maury County, is a single parent and has financial need.

GFWC Maury County Women’s Club, established in 2019, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works on projects to improve and support the community.

The Columbia State scholarship was one of its first projects and was funded through donations and fundraising activities.

“GFWC Maury County Women's Club's commitment to our community is reflected in the work the members do to make our community a better place,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for Advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “The Karen Spencer Brooks GFWC Memorial Scholarship is an important part of that commitment and is greatly appreciated.”

Some of the club's activities include fundraising, cooking and serving meals at the People’s Table. Members also donate regularly to food banks such as Paw Pantry and Maury County Veteran Services, and each fall they give a supply basket to school nurses in Maury County, as well as donate hygiene products to Paula's Purse.

“This scholarship was one of the first club projects our group established,” said Denise White, GFWC Maury County Women’s Club treasurer. “Because education is one of the areas of service for the General Federation of Women's Clubs, we felt this would be a great way to support students in our area. The scholarship is funded by donations from the community and fundraisers such as our annual Bunco game.”

The GFWC is a global organization with federations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It has 21 affiliate clubs in 15 countries. The GFWC was founded in 1890 in New York City by journalist Jane Cunningham Croly. Initially focused on literary and educational study, clubs shifted toward community improvement.

GFWC members serve as community leaders. Volunteers focus on their local communities while considering global perspectives. Their activities include supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging civic engagement.

For more information about the organization, visit their Facebook page, GFWC Maury County Women's Club.

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.