Profile Article
2000-2001 Annual Report of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Foundation, published by the UWSP Foundation
Laird Scholarship Supports Student's Goals
Gretchen Sierk came to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1996 with a deep interest in science, the outdoors and working with children. She also came to the university as a Laird Scholarship winner, which has provided the financial support to help her pursue her educational and career goals.
"I knew in high school that UWSP had a very good biology and environmental education program. I decided that I wanted to combine my love of science and the outdoors with my love for children," she said.
Sierk, a biology and natural resources major, will be student teaching in spring 2002 and hopes to be an environmental education teacher. One of her goals is to make science both enjoyable and informative for students. "I want my classroom to be a place where learning science is fun," she said.
According to Bob Tomlinson, assistant chancellor for Student Affairs, Sierk follows in the tradition of Laird Scholars, the kinds of students "who are responsible and focused on giving back to their communities."
In reflecting on her years at UWSP, one of the things that stands out for Sierk is the quality of the education she received. "The professors here are great and the university is very well respected in biology and natural resources. You can go anywhere and tell people that you are studying biology and natural resources at UWSP and get respect instantly. That means a lot to me," she said. Sierk also enjoys interacting with her fellow students in the program and credits them for having a sincere passion for wanting to make a difference in children's lives.
Last spring Sierk again was involved with the Laird Scholarship Program as a moderator at the 18th Laird Youth Leadership Day. The event, held biennially at UWSP, honors new Laird Scholarship winners and brings leaders from a variety of fields to UWSP to share their wisdom and experience with students.
During the event, Sierk moderated the education workshop with Bill Steiger, who previously served as special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. In moderating the session, Sierk said she got a chance to learn about high school students' perspectives on education.
Each year the Laird Youth Leadership Foundation, in conjunction with UWSP, awards five $2,000 Melvin R. Laird Leadership scholarships to incoming freshmen. Recipients are required to demonstrate the highest standards of community and high school service, personal leadership and academic achievement.
Laird Day was established in 1965 through the combined efforts of the late James Albertson, a former UWSP president; former Chancellor Lee Dreyfus; and Laird, former U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Nixon and Wisconsin's Seventh Congressional District representative. Since its inception, the Laird Youth Leadership Foundation has provided more than 400 scholarships to UWSP students from central and northern Wisconsin.
A recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1974, Laird is currently a senior counselor on National and International Affairs with the Readers' Digest Association.