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In A Heartbeat

December 22nd, 2017
Filed Under: Alumnae News | Collegiate News | Foundation | Sisterhood

TMC PhotoTerry Medley Curtis, Gamma Rho – Arizona State University believes in high educational standards. Not only is she the chair of the Academic Enhancement Directors, who work with chapter scholarship chairs to improve their academic performance, but she also created a scholarship through the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation four years ago in memory of her parents, Gus and Ernestine Medley.

The first recipient of the award was Madeline Leo, Alpha Iota – University of Pittsburgh. Madeline was beginning her first year of medical school at Pennsylvania State University at the time of the award and shared this with Terry, “I learned the reality of the heavy financial burden that education can have on young women in college and particularly in researching medical school. I will be purchasing my stethoscope with the award so that I will have a constant reminder of the blessings I have received in this sisterhood and how essential it is to pass positivity to others each time I listen to a patient’s heart.”

Madeline shares what it meant to receive the first Gus and Ernestine Medley Scholarship.

Madison LeoScholarship was one of the most important values of Alpha Delta Pi during my experience at The University of Pittsburgh.  The four years I spent working towards my goal of attending medical school were difficult – I often wondered if I had been making a mistake in choosing such an aspiration as each step became more challenging.  Alpha Delta Pi provided a place of comfort, and I would not have been successful without my sisters’ help.  I knew that I always had a group of people who were willing to help me achieve my goals in hopes that one day I would be able to help care for others.  The skills I learned in professionalism and teamwork have shaped the way I am able to function on teams today as I continue my journey towards becoming a well-rounded physician.

When I learned that I had received a scholarship through the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, I was quite humbled.   After a conversation with Terry Curtis, I promised her that I would put the money towards an instrument that I would continue to use in my daily practice – my stethoscope.  Through the gifts of women like Terry, I am constantly reminded of the importance of scholarship and the fact that as an organization we have a network that spans nationwide of like-minded women encouraging us to reach our personal and professional goals.  Each time I use my stethoscope, I am reminded of Terry’s gift and the importance of generosity and kindness, even when handling a difficult situation.  Receiving the scholarship reminds me to continue the generosity bestowed onto me to those who will come after me.  Educational endeavors are continuing to become more challenging for young women, and it is of critical importance that we remember the times that we were assisted by others in achieving our goals.  I am truly grateful for the Foundation scholarship, and I will continue to remember the greatness of this organization as I progress through my career. “

Terry and LaurenTerry remains continually inspired by the women the scholarship touches. Terry recently shared how proud she was of the 2015-2016 recipient, Crystal Climer, Delta Upsilon – University of Tennessee – Martin, when she saw pictures of her University of Missouri White Coat Ceremony for Veterinary school on Facebook. Terry looks forward to receiving her donor letter each summer to learn more about each recipient and has been able to meet with some of the recipients face to face! This summer, she was able to connect with the 2017-2018 recipient, Lauren Downie, Tau Chapter – University of Kansas at Grand Convention (pictured left).

Terry recently endowed a second scholarship since she saw firsthand how impactful the Gus and Ernestine Medley scholarship was for our sisters. The Terry Medley Curtis Scholarship will be awarded for the first time next year and is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are exhibit financial need. In the words of the 2016-2017 recipient, Ashley Berry, Delta Sigma – University of Mississippi, “This scholarship helped lift a weight off mine and my family’s shoulders. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity! You are a blessing to Alpha Delta Pi and especially the students that have received this scholarship throughout the years.”

Thank you to Terry, and all our sisters, who’s generous support of the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation allows us to grant more than $100,000 in scholarships annually to our sisters pursuing their educational dreams.

AEDs at Convention

Terry (center) with the Academic Enhancement Directors at Grand Convention 2017.

 



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