Marilyn Thompson Awarded a Ruth Taylor Scholarship

United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) is proud to announce that Marilyn Thompson of White Plains has been awarded a 2019 Ruth Taylor Scholarship. She is one of ten recipients who collectively received scholarship awards totaling $19,500.

“I know each one of these extraordinary graduate students will make outstanding contributions to their fields and to their community,” said UWWP President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “We at United Way wish them the very best as they further their education and embark on challenging careers.”

Thompson is currently employed as a School Aid by the New York City Department of Education.  She has previous experience at Fannie Rebecca Stein, Inc, in Mamaroneck, at Special Citizens in Elmsford, and at NCO Financial in Melville.  She contributes her time to the American Red Cross.

“I am so grateful and happy to learn that there are organizations like yours willing to help people like myself,” Thompson said. “The goal is to become a positive member of my community. As part of the ultimate goal is to eventually give back by helping someone in need the way I was granted the help.”

Thompson earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Hofstra University. She is currently enrolled at Mercy College and is pursuing a Masters of Professional Studies degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.  Her award is in the amount of $1,500.

The Ruth Taylor Scholarship was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as Westchester County’s Commissioner of Public Welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of outstanding service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County Government and the Urban League of Westchester County.  Over a period of 12 years, almost $160,000 has been awarded to 60 students with an average award value of $2,655. Applicants must be residents of Westchester County and enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis. Criteria used in evaluating applications include a demonstration of public service, financial need, and scholastic capacity.