University Women’s Club of Mercer County Nears 100 Years, Expands Scholarships for Local Students

The University Women’s Club of Mercer County is closing in on a century of service and continuing one of its biggest missions: helping local women afford college.

During a recent episode of Spectrum, host Kevin Sandler welcomed Kelly Hone, Sheila Batlzell, and Beth Weber to talk about the club’s history, membership, and the scholarship programs they fund each year.

A Club Founded on Learning and Community

Current president Kelly Hohn said the University Women’s Club dates back to 1936 and was created to unite college graduates around a shared goal of continuing learning.

Membership is open to anyone with a two year associate degree or a four year bachelor degree. Hohn said the club currently includes 32 active members, along with associate and honorary members, and is always looking for new faces.

Scholarships Totaled $10,000 Last Year

Scholarships are a major focus of the organization. Sheila Batlzell said the club was able to award $10,000 in scholarship money last year, thanks largely to annual pecan sales and long term investments through the Mercer County Civic Foundation.

Batlzell said seven scholarships were awarded in total, including multiple $1,500 grants for graduating high school seniors pursuing a traditional college degree, plus scholarships tied to education majors through the Evelyn Myers Award. The club also offers scholarships for women already in college, specifically juniors and seniors who may need help finishing their degrees after earlier funding runs out.

Another addition in recent years is a $1,000 scholarship for a Mercer County high school student planning to pursue a two year associate degree.

All scholarship applications are available online through the Mercer County Civic Foundation website.

The Evelyn Myers Story and a Major Shift in How Scholarships Are Awarded

Beth Weber shared the history behind the Evelyn Myers Award, explaining that Myers was a Mercer County native who became a teacher and had received a University Women’s Club scholarship herself in the 1930s.

Weber said the club originally operated its scholarships as loans that were paid back after graduation and employment. Over time, the organization transitioned away from that model because of the long paper trail involved and now awards scholarship grants that do not need repaid.

That change, along with steady fundraising and investment growth, has helped the organization expand from a single scholarship in the late 1930s to multiple scholarship opportunities today.

What the Committee Looks For

When it comes to qualifications, the group said scholarship decisions are based on more than grades.

Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, citizenship, leadership, and financial need. They also noted that personal circumstances are considered as part of the review process. Applications require a current transcript, which can be uploaded online.

Deadline Approaching: March 20

The scholarship deadline is March 20. After that, the club’s scholarship committee meets to review applications and select recipients. Last year, the group said they received 57 applications.

Committee members also attend local award ceremonies to personally present scholarship checks to recipients.

Fundraising Powered by Annual Pecan Sale

The club’s primary fundraiser is an annual pecan sale. Members said pecans are delivered in November, often ahead of Thanksgiving, and repeat customers help keep the program strong year after year.

How to Learn More or Join

For more information, the group encouraged listeners to search University Women’s Club in Mercer County on Facebook.

They also issued an open invitation: if you hold a two year or four year degree and want to get involved, they would love to have you.