Pat Brown (left), Western Carolina University’s dean of educational outreach, presents Lynda Bates Elliott (right) the Malcolm J. Loughlin Scholarship during the induction ceremony for new members of the Mu Epsilon chapter of Alpha Sigma Lamba national honor society for nontraditional students.

Lynda Bates Elliott, an elementary education major from Franklin, has been named this year’s recipient of Western Carolina University’s Malcolm J. Loughlin Scholarship.

The $1,000 award was presented recently at the induction ceremony for new members of the Mu Epsilon chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society for nontraditional students.

The scholarship was established in recognition of the contributions of the late Malcolm J. Loughlin to Western Carolina University, WCU’s Division of Educational Outreach and the community of students for whom he served as teacher, mentor and guide.

The scholarship is presented to an adult student in his or her junior year who has demonstrated attributes consistent with those of Loughlin and has met the academic standards worthy of induction into Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society. Special consideration is given to global perspective and community outreach activities of the scholarship candidates.

Elliott said she decided to pursue a degree in education at the age of 43 while working as a teacher assistant at East Franklin Elementary School.

Elliott said she was inspired by Loughlin’s “vision of strong local and international education.”

“The school in which I hope to return and teach is a diverse school with a high percentage of transient Hispanic families,” said Elliott. “I enjoy seeing all students progress and succeed, but am especially touched by the trust and love in which these students respond.”
 
“Elliott exemplifies the adult learner in many ways,” said Pat Brown, dean of the Division of Educational Outreach at WCU.

“She has managed to maintain an excellent academic record while juggling the multiple priorities of work, home and family responsibilities. Elliott demonstrates the qualities of leadership and commitment that will make her a great teacher and mentor,” said Brown.

Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society was established in 1945 as a means of recognizing academic excellence for nontraditional students. For induction into the society, students must have an overall grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of graded credit.
 
Thirty-six students were inducted into the honor society during the ceremony.

For more information, contact the Division of Educational Outreach at (828) 227-7397 or toll free at (866) 928-4723.

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Last Modified: Tuesday, April 15, 2008