December 31, 2018
Montana Campus Compact (MTCC), an eighteen campus higher education network, recently announced the inaugural class of the George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship winners. The award recognizes students pursuing a degree or certificate at MTCC affiliate campuses who have volunteered significant time, energy, and resources to projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Half of the funds for each scholarship have been donated in memory of George M. Dennison by Jane Dennison and sons, Rick and Robert Dennison and their families. George Dennison was a tireless champion of service and was the co-founder of MTCC. The other half of each scholarship is matched by the winner’s institutions.
This fall there was a highly competitive group of 36 students who applied for the scholarship, each displaying exemplary service by making significant, positive change in their institutions, communities, and the world.
Ten college students were selected as the scholarship recipients, one of them being Montana Western’s own Shayla McGregor, a senior majoring in Elementary Education.
“As an elementary education major, my career aspirations are to truly inspire my students to develop a passion for lifelong learning,” stated McGregor.
McGregor’s volunteer efforts included time in Peers Advocating Towards Health (PATH), a health advocacy group that aids college students in making healthy and informed choices. One program implemented was titled “Sex in the Dark,” an initiative that focused on sexuality and sexual health topics.
McGregor has also been instrumental in organizing events through her roles as a Resident Assistant, a Student Senator, and a mentor in the TRIO program. McGregor has a passion for education, which gives her drive to continue creating informational programs that could be useful to her community as well as her future students.
“If I can demonstrate to my students the positive impacts continuous curiosity can have in the world, I can ensure that they will develop the skills needed to educate themselves on issues in society, well beyond their time in school. Those that ask questions and challenge the norms of society are often the same that make a true impact on this world,” McGregor explained.
McGregor hopes to be an influence in the education system by inspiring and encouraging individuals to “come to their own thoughts and conclusions about the world.”
For more information about Montana Campus Compact and their programs and initiatives, please visit mtcompact.org
