January 9, 2007 | Centers & Programs

Northwestern Information Technology Funds 11th Scholarship

Every year, young students from across the country attend summer computer courses through Northwestern's Center for Talent Development (CTD) with the help of a scholarship primarily funded by the staff of Northwestern University Information Technology (IT).

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Every year, young students from across the country attend summer computer courses through Northwestern's Center for Talent Development (CTD) with the help of a scholarship primarily funded by the staff of Northwestern University Information Technology (IT).

IT has awarded 11 Sandra Dennhardt Scholarships since 2000, when a fund was established to honor the memory of Sandra Dennhardt, former director of IT Management Systems.

“IT staff show great generosity in funding the Dennhardt Scholarship -- it is a fitting and lasting tribute to Sandy's memory,” said Patricia Todus, associate vice president and deputy chief information officer for IT. “It provides a great opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge of technology, and I know Sandy would be very pleased.”

Scholarship recipients must show an ability to succeed in CTD's intensive three-week summer program and work beyond their current grade level.

“We want students who are interested in computer courses and who are very academically talented,” said Jayne Schaefer, assistant director of CTD. “After that, the number of scholarships we award depends on the available funds and on the student's degree of financial need.”

Sandra Dennhardt directed IT Management Systems from 1990 until her death in 1999. She was instrumental in the implementation of two major University-wide systems: the Human Resource Information System and the Student Enterprise System.

The Dennhardt Scholarship is primarily funded by the IT staff, with contributions from family and friends, and is administered through the CTD.

This year's recipient was a ninth grade student from Roanoke Rapids, N.C.