And the winner is...
We'd like to congratulate Kathy Mortensen of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as the 2004 Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship winner! Kathy is a single mom working for a truck company and pursuing a business degree. Read her winning essay below.

Kathy's Winning Essay
First, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Kathy Mortensen from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I am the single mother of a wonderful eleven-year old boy. My current employment is with the Oshkosh Truck Corporation, a company that has been in Oshkosh since the early 1900's.

We manufacture heavy-duty vehicles such as fire trucks, cement mixers, and several types of Military vehicles. The department I work in creates and maintains both electronic and hard copy operating manuals for the Military vehicles. I am very proud of the fact that the work I do contributes to keeping the vehicles for our soldiers up and running!

Kathy Mortensen, winner of the Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship, and son Matt.

I have several reasons for wanting to obtain my Business Associate Degree. After being out of school for many years, I have to admit I was a bit nervous, but I feel very confident that I will be able to obtain my Business Associate Degree and then move on to my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. This is possible for me primarily because of the technology of an online program. The online program I am enrolled in allows me to continue to work to support myself and my son, and the flexibility, which will allow me to participate in the things that my son is involved in.

The most important reason for obtaining my degree is my son. I want to show him what the benefit of having a degree really is. He is about to enter middle school, and I feel that this part of his life will form the base for his later education choices. My other reasons for continuing my education are the rewards of a great sense of accomplishment, and also advancement with my employer.

After I obtain my degree, the next dream I would like to work on is owning my own kennel. I love animals and have five dogs of my own. Through this business, I will also assist the local animal shelter. They always seem to be short on room and I plan to devote a portion of my kennel to fostering pets that the shelter may not have room for. I also intend to assist with educating the public on how to become responsible pet owners, to help keep animals out of shelters.

Another portion of my kennel will be a therapy area which will address the needs of older or handicapped animals. I will use the knowledge that I will gain to perform my job with more understanding, and be able to contribute more to my co-workers, as well as my employer. It will also enable me to assist my son even more with his homework.

School curriculums have changed so much that sometimes helping with his homework is a challenge. I feel that because children absorb so much from their parents, if he sees that I can do it, he will feel that he can as well. I feel that I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will help me to meet the goals I have set for myself, and set an example for other people that are in situations similar to mine.

I'm not looking for an "easy" way to get my degree, meaning that I understand that the coursework will be just as challenging as if I were attending on a campus. I am very grateful that today's technology, in addition to the many financial aid and scholarship programs that are available, will allow me to obtain my degree. Thank you very much for considering me as a candidate for your scholarship program.

We salute Kathy for winning the inaugural Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship!

Apply now for the next Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship.