Penn College Scholarship to Honor Memory of Peggy Madigan

A new scholarship at Pennsylvania College of Technology will honor the memory of the late wife of state Sen. Roger A. Madigan.

Beginning in May, Penn College and the "Pennsylvania's Tomorrow Starts Today" Student Government Seminar Committee will offer the Peggy Madigan Memorial Leadership Scholarship for a student attending the College. Mrs. Madigan, of Luthers Mills, Bradford County, passed away unexpectedly in January, following a brief illness.

"Peggy Madigan was a shining example of an individual dedicated to community service," said Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour. "This memorial scholarship is a fitting tribute to the lasting impact she made on all of us."

Both the senator and his wife were instrumental in developing the Pennsylvania's Tomorrow Starts Today Student Government Seminar. The daylong seminar, held every May at Penn College, allows high school students to interact with representatives from the Commonwealth's legislative and executive branches, as well as lobbyists and members of the news media.

Madigan said he is proud of the tribute.

"Peggy loved to help young people further themselves," he said. "Her efforts will continue through this scholarship."

Mrs. Madigan had worked as a special reading aide in her local school district. She held a volunteer literacy-tutor certificate, and was active in the Friends of the Library and other organizations. She worked as a director of her local chapter of the American Cancer Society and held other leadership positions within that organization.

She also had a long and distinguished career of service to the Republican Party at the local, state and national levels, including two years (1989-91) as president of the Pennsylvania Council of the Republican Women. In 1998, she was chosen "Woman of the Year" by the PCRW.

Montoursville Area High School teacher Donald King is one of many educators from Madigan's senate district taking students to the seminar every year. King said the seminar gives his students a deeper understanding of the complexities of democracy.

"As a teacher, I appreciate the vision and generosity of Sen. Madigan, his staff, and elected and appointed officials for their hard work in providing students with this unique educational experience," King said.

The Pennsylvania's Tomorrow Starts Today Committee has established the scholarship fund with the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation to offer annual awards to high-school students who attend the seminar and subsequently enroll as full-time students at Penn College.

Students applying for the Peggy Madigan Memorial Leadership Scholarship must write an essay describing community service they've performed and the value it has added to the community or themselves. The student must also submit a letter of reference that outlines his or her abilities, potential and demonstrated leadership in the school or community.

The Pennsylvania's Tomorrow Starts Today Committee will review the completed applications and select the scholarship recipient or recipients. The scholarship will help defray the costs of tuition, fees, books, tools, housing and required supplies. The amount of the award will be determined annually and will be split between the fall and spring semesters.

Anyone with questions about the Peggy Madigan Memorial Leadership Scholarship Fund may call the Penn College Foundation at (570) 320-8020.

Contributions to the scholarship fund should be sent to the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701. Please indicate that the funds should be directed to the Peggy Madigan Memorial Leadership Scholarship Fund.