Couple rewards working students

BGSU students know how important education is for their future: they log hours inside classrooms, labs and lecture halls preparing for careers after graduation. But not all lessons can be taught inside a classroom - sometimes, a little real-world experience is necessary for success. 

Joseph and Judith Conda recognize how valuable practical experience is for students. In fact, they’ve decided to reward students who take advantage of working outside the classroom with financial support. The new Joseph and Judith Conda Scholarship offers assistance to Intervention Services students who also work for the Wood County Board of MR/DD.

Starting in the spring of 2008, eligible students can apply for the $1,000 scholarship. The award will be granted through the College of Education and Human Development and preference will be given to students who work at Wood Lane Residential Services in Bowling Green, Ohio.

The Joseph and Judith Conda Scholarship is in honor of Judith’s sister, Patty Shisler. Since 1991, Patty has been a beneficiary of Wood Lane Industries and their Residential Services. But the Condas have another tie to the field of intervention services: until her retirement in 2003, Judith worked as a special educator and behavior consultant.

"Having had the privilege to be involved with Woodlane's administration and staff for the past 14 years, we have observed that the majority of these individuals were or are being educated at BGSU," say the Condas. "We decided that it was important for us to perpetuate and foster the BGSU/Woodlane connection by providing financial assistance to Woodlane employees through scholarship. Any BGSU student who is involved with Woodlane will attest to the personal growth derived from working with the 'differently able'."

Joseph is a retired Owens-Illinois senior executive and corporate officer. He retired in 2007 as the President of Health Care Packaging after a long career with Owens-Illinois and serves on the Board of the University of Toledo’s College of Pharmacy, as well as the Board for Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy in New Orleans, LA.

Joseph and Judith’s generous endowment is another example of how scholarship donations support students.

If you would like more information on starting a scholarship of your own, please call the Office of Alumni & Development at 888-839-2586.