Alumni Association Scholarship Recipients
Thanks to alumni and friends, in 2007 the USCA awarded scholarships totaling $25,868 to 32 members. Meet two of these exceptional co-opers!
Johnny George
Recipient of the Pioneer Award, awarded to a co-oper who truly embodies the cooperative spirit and contributes to lasting positive change in the co-ops.
FROM: Dallas, TX
CO-OPS: Fenwick Weaver’s Village,
Rochdale Apartments
MEMBER SINCE: Fall 2004
MAJOR: Linguistics PhD
During his first semester in the co-ops, Johnny worked with both the membership and management team to write a proposal to streamline the Fenwick management and establish an administrative link between the Rochdale and Fenwick Apartments, thereby improving service to the members.
Johnny quickly assumed a central leadership role within the USCA as President of the Co-op Board for two years. During his tenure, Johnny oversaw the transition from our General Manager of 35 years, George Proper, to the newly created Executive Director position. Johnny also worked to expand Board training, further develop the staff and student cabinet retreat, and develop a future plan for post-retrofit Cloyne.
This year Johnny continues his passion for improving policy by serving as the Vice President of Internal Affairs. He is also currently chairing the People of Color Caucus for NASCO, thereby strengthening the USCA’s ties with NASCO as well as other co-ops around the continent.
Johnny’s strong leadership and significant contributions have earned him the Co-op Pioneer Award for 2008.
Dani Loebs
Recipient of the Judy Gilmore Scholarship, awarded to a woman residing in Hoyt on the basis of financial need and academic excellence.
FROM: Rocklin, CA
CO-OP: Hoyt
MEMBER SINCE: Summer 2005
MAJOR: Theater and Performing Arts
Three years ago, Dani began her own Shakespearian theater company for underprivileged teens, and has devoted every summer since to running the organization. The company uses acting and Shakespeare as a vehicle for teaching confidence, cooperation and a respect for community to at-risk teenagers in the area, as well as reaching out to the greater community to provide a culturally enriching environment. Since its inception, the company has doubled in size and in funding each successive year and has received generous attention from the press.
After two years living at Hoyt, Dani admits that the biggest challenge in graduating will be in leaving the community she loves so dearly. The experience has shown her the amazing amount of strength and support that a group of women can provide for each other. She has also found friendships that will last a lifetime.
After graduating, Dani plans to work as a monologue coach as well as continue her work in the Rocklin Shakespeare Company. Dani looks forward to using the cooperative values that she has learned while living at Hoyt to enact positive change in her community.