Zoe Citrowske Lee and Jenika Rufer are the first full-tuition recipients of the Laurie J. Loveland Scholarship offered by NDSU’s Women and Gender Studies program.
The award, which was established in 2006, was previously $1,500 to $5,000 per year. It was recently increased to the equivalent of a North Dakota full-tuition scholarship. Recipients must plan to pursue a career in public service and demonstrate leadership potential.
Zoe Citrowske Lee
Citrowske Lee is a senior double majoring in psychology and women and gender studies. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Her long-term public service goals include a strong focus on women’s empowerment.
“This scholarship has obviously mitigated the financial burden of school, but it has also made me feel much closer to the Women and Gender Studies program and all of the amazing people in it,” she said. “This scholarship will allow me to complete my undergraduate degrees and hit the ground running for my next academic adventure.”
Jenika Rufer
Rufer is a senior double majoring in psychology and women and gender studies. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school for clinical mental health counseling. She wants to work with rape and domestic violence victims, and plans to continue as an active volunteer with organizations that serve women.
“I am honored to have received this scholarship. It is in memory of an amazing, hard-working woman and from a department that has impacted my life in so many positive ways,” she said. “This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education and activism more instead of worrying about paying tuition.”
About the Laurie J. Loveland Scholarship
The Loveland scholarship is awarded in memory of Laurie Loveland, a 1980 NDSU graduate, who was a lawyer instrumental in drafting and negotiating the Master Settlement Agreement between the nation’s tobacco companies and 46 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. She also served as North Dakota’s assistant attorney general and solicitor general and as a Supreme Court fellow. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Loveland was an advocate for women’s rights, children and adult literacy.
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