Kansas State Council of ESA

Scholarships Established by Kansas for the ESA Foundation

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The friends and members of the Kansas State Council of ESA International have established and/or support five ESA Foundation endowments for students. Endowments established by Kansas ESA members are: (Click on the name of the Scholarship in the index to access the scholarship)

INDEX

• Kansas State Council Endowment
• Lamplighter Memorial Endowment
• Kansas, Epsilon Eta/Linda Cronin Memorial Endowment
• Jack & Lucille Crossno Memorial Endowment
• Gordon & Betty Cape Endowment for Continuing Education

Any person (inside or outside of the ESA membership) who meets the criteria listed for the scholarship may apply for one of our scholarships (or any other ESA Foundation Scholarship). To obtain an application form go to the ESA Foundation Website link above and click on the "Scholarship Application" button. The ESA Foundation awards approximately $200,000 in scholarship each year across the United States and Australia.

KANSAS STATE COUNCIL ENDOWMENT

The Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International established the Kansas State Council Endowment in 1988. The specific criterion is for a Kansas resident. The first presentation of the scholarship was in 1993. Judging Criteria A: This scholarship is weighted evenly to Financial Need and Scholastic Ability: Scoring 100 points, the distribution is 10 points for Character, 20 points for Leadership, 10 points for Service, 30 points for Financial Need and 30 points for Scholastic Ability.

The Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International began during the depression years, with the first chapter chartered in Salina in 1930. Kansas has taken its place from the beginning supporting the efforts of ESA International. The Original ESA headquarters was established in Kansas City. In 1938, the National Convention of ESA was held in Kansas City, Missouri where two of our local women were installed as national officers of ESA. This Convention established May 1 as ESA International Founders’ Day.

During the 1940’s, the economic situation continued to be hard and America was involved in World War II so the membership turned their attention to the war effort. After the war, the ESA membership once again turned its attention to building ESA. ESA Headquarters was moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. Kansas added more chapters and once again hosted the National Advisory Council Convention in Wichita. The Kansas State Council was officially established in 1946 in Hutchinson, Kansas and Zura Crockette-Dittman from Iota Kappa Chapter led as president for the first two years. Kansas had 46 chapters, which were having difficulty staying active since it was just following the war.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Kansas remained active on the International level promoting ESA by supporting candidates running for office and hosting the International Convention in Wichita. Jessie McAdoo Little, from Kansas, served as International President and established the Disaster Fund, which aids ESA members. The Kansas State Council joined the Kansas Council of Women in 1957, which made up 29 other women organizations in Kansas with national affiliations. In the 50’s, the Council was led by Grace Stoner, Mildred Keller, Jessie Little Beryle Elliott, Faye Jordan, Kay Lavelle, Irene Ramsey, Hazel Hayes, Jerry Phillips, and Mary Booe. Kansas continued to keep its interest in International involvement when Irene Ramsey was elected IC President in 1966. Kansas chapters began to become increasingly involved in philanthropic endeavors as the objectives of ESA International evolved from a reading society. In the 60’s, the council was led by Lois Mayall, Betty Guthrie, Louise Woods, Bonnie Gunter, Velma Harness, Dee Quade, Katy Mills, Kathleen Lutz, and Gladys Shook. Kansas will adopt the Institute of Logopedics for its state project, which aids communication handicaps.

In the 1970’s, the Kansas State Council was led by Lorita Von Niederhausern, Maxine McKeever, Anne Langenfeld, Jean Wells, Betty Spicer Hawkins, Dotty Keenan, Mary Daniels, Florence Ellis, Joan Friend and Opal Regier. The Council became a part of the national effort to coordinate a POW-MIA letter writing campaign to free Vietnam Prisoner’s of War and started donating to the National Project of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital raising $1 million. The Council proudly join the newly formed ESA Foundation; a Kansas woman, Irene Ramsey, become the first Chairman of the Foundation Board.

In the 1980’s, as ESA International celebrates its Golden Jubilee in Denver, Colorado, Kansas had six of the oldest chapters recognized. Our own Pauline Cowger, from the first Kansas Chapter, Omicron received her 50 year pin. The women heading the Kansas Council in the 80s were Joyce Marrs, Jean Beetem, Judy Ary, Marilyn Herren, Geri Benton, Joan Bourn, Kay Ross, Verneene Forssberg, Shirley Campbell, and Coleen Cape. The Kansas State Council Endowment was established during Shirley Campbell’s year. Joan Friend served as International Council President representing the Council’s continued commitment to International leadership.

In the 1990’s the Kansas State Council had two fully funded endowments registered with the ESA Foundation. The women leading the Council were Kay Foster, Charlene Hansen, Margaret Shook, Donna Dawson, Shelya Goyer, Susan White, Mary Hill, Helen Stitt, Karen Lowery, and Cindy Rodman. Joan Bourn served as International President of ESA International. Kansas proudly accepted recognition for becoming a million dollar state for St. Jude. This along with its continued dedication to support the Institute of Logopedics, which had by this time changed its name to Heartspring. The Kansas State Council has supported many philanthropic efforts throughout communities in the state. Thousands of hours and dollars have been donated to aid those in need by members of ESA in Kansas. From the beginning of ESA, Kansas has always played an important role in its leadership, making it one of the best women’s organizations in the nation. It is proud to be among the first state councils to be a member of the ESA Foundation and to support its efforts to serve human need.

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Lamplighter Memorial Endowment (Kansas)

The Lamplighter Memorial Endowment (Kansas) was established by the Kansas State Council of ESA International in 1999. The specific criterion is for a Kansas resident attending any school. The first scholarship was awarded in 2003.

Judging Criteria B: This scholarship is weighted to Financial Need: Scoring 100 points, the distribution is 10 points for Character, 10 points for Leadership, 5 points for Service, 50 points for Financial need, and 25 points Scholastic Ability. The Lamplighter Memorial Endowment was established as a memorial for Kansas sisters who passed away. This seemed a fitting way to honor the memory of many sisters who have contributed so much to Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and the ESA Foundation membership in Kansas.

The Lamplighters are the past presidents of the Kansas State Council of ESA International. The year this memorial endowment was established a beloved Lamplighter, Florence Ellis, passed away. Florence was suffering from cancer and before her death designated the Lamplighter Memorial Endowment as her choice for memorials. As a result, almost $2000 was donated the first year.

Florence Ellis was a shining example of what our association with ESA International creates in outstanding leadership in women and the gift of human kindness and grace. The Kansas sisterhood hopes that this endowment, along with the other Kansas endowments, will continue to support those who seek to further their education goals. Through this kind of assistance we feel we can seek a new and better hope for tomorrow.

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Jack & Lucille Crossno Memorial Endowment

The Jack & Lucille Crossno Memorial Endowment was established by Mary Hill as a memorial endowment for the family in 2002. The specific criterion is limited to a Kansas resident with any major. The first scholarship was given in 2003.

Judging Criteria E: This scholarship is weighted evenly in all categories: Scoring 100 points, the distribution is 20 points for Character, 20 points for leadership, 20 points for Service, 20 points for Financial Need, and 20 points for Scholastic Ability.

(Written by Mary Hill, Lucille Crossno’s daughter) Lucille was born on a farm in southeast Kansas in 1910. She attended school in Labette County and graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1928. She was the oldest daughter, of seven, five brothers and one sister. She moved to Wichita following graduation and attends a local business college. She married Joseph Lee Harr in 1930; they had two children - Joseph Lee Jr. was born in February 1931 and Mary Virginia was born in August 1933.

Lucille joined Delta Gamma Chapter #1183 of Wichita, KS as a charter member in 1949. She remained active in ESA for more than 50 years, holding all of the offices locally and in the District. She served as International Council Convention Co-Chair in 1954-55 when the convention was held in Wichita, Kansas; and State Corresponding Secretary in 1955-1956.

Lucille also served as the IC Chaplain in 1961-62, and attended every IC Convention from Evansville, Indiana in 1950 until Phoenix AZ in 1993. Lucille worked for many years as a secretary/bookkeeper for Harry Gore Independent Oil Company. She served as President of the Oil Secretaries Association in 1950-1951. Lucille was a great believer in education, and urged Joe Lee Jr. to attend college. Joe Lee attended Wichita State University for a couple of years, but moved into the business world working in the oil fields. Lucille and Jack (Arlia B. Crossno) were married in 1972. They owned and operated Wichita Marine, a boat company on South Broadway; during this time Lucille continued to work for the Gore Independent Oil Company. She remained there until her retirement and subsequent move to Stockton, Missouri. Coming from a large family in a farming community, Lucille never had the opportunity to attend college, but encouraged her children and grandchildren to do so. Of her five grandchildren, only one graduated from College. Virginia Charisse Hill Roesch graduated from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas in 1977 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in business. Lucille passed away February 18, 2002, and is greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her son and daughter, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

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EPSILON ETA / LINDA CRONIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Epsilon Eta/Linda Cronin Memorial Scholarship was established by Epsilon Eta Chapter #2001 of ESA International in Topeka, Kansas on March 24, 1992 in honor of their sister, Linda Cronin, who died of cancer. The scholarship is designated for a Shawnee County resident in Kansas attending any university or college in Kansas with any major. The first scholarship was awarded was in 1993.

Judging Criteria A: This scholarship is weighted evenly to Financial Need and Scholastic Ability: Scoring 100 points, the distribution is 10 points for Character, 20 points for Leadership, 10 points for Service, 30 points for Financial Need and 30 points for Scholastic Ability.

Epsilon Eta was chartered on May 24, 1953 in Topeka, Kansas. Its members have been active at all levels of ESA International. Philanthropic projects supported by this chapter include: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Heartspring; Easter Seal; Topeka Association for Retarded Children; Topeka State Hospital; County Home; Stormont-Vail Hospital; St Francis Hospital; Head Start; KNI; KTWU public television; Families Together; March of Dimes; Rescue Mission; Lung Association; Heart Association; Leukemia Society; Christmas Bureau; Let’s Help; Salvation Army; and the Disabled American Veterans. Support is provided in the form of fund raising, giftsin-kind, and volunteer hours.

In 1992 the Epsilon Eta/Linda Cronin Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of their sister Linda Cronin who died of cancer. Linda Cronin was the wife of Joseph and mother of James and David. Linda worked for the State Department of Transportation before having her family. At the onset of her illness, she was secretary for her church, Christ, the King. Linda was a very giving person, open to change and always willing to serve. She was very active in Epsilon Sigma Alpha International on both the state and local level. However, her course was shortened. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and died within ninety days.

When the Expo Center opened in the Topeka area, the Epsilon Eta Chapter worked in food services for numerous years. Over the course of accumulation of these monies, and through interest in the ESA Foundation, Linda’s dream was to create a scholarship.

Linda had set the wheels in motion; the Chapter got information about the ESA Foundation Endowment Fund and through love and determination to their deceased sister, funds were accrued for the $500 scholarship to be given in her name each year. Her Epsilon Eta sisters kept this funded until recent years, when District A. Council of ESA in Kansas took up the responsibility for keeping the endowment funded.

During Linda’s sorority years, she worked the Marian Clinic, ERC (Every Woman’s Research Center), Sheltered Living, Families Together, TARC (Topeka Assn. of Retarded Children), Goodwill Industries, and Let’s Help.

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Gordon & Betty Cape Endowment for Continuing Education

The Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International established the Gordon & Betty Cape Endowment for Continuing Education as an honorarium for Coleen Cape. Coleen was the International Council President and she was from Kansas.

The specific criterion is for a Non-traditional Kansas student returning to school for a degree or career enhancement full or part time / not less than 6 hours - Any Major / Any School.

Judging Criteria E: This scholarship is weighted evenly in all categories: Scoring 100 points, the distribution is 20 points for Character, 20 points for Leadership, 20 points for Service, 20 points for Financial Need, and 20 points for Scholastic Ability.

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