Grace A. Crowley Foundation
Unlocking Potential One Scholarship at a Time
The Grace A. Crowley Foundation supports the efforts of the SERTOMA Annual Fund, which changes the way the world is heard. Each year, deaf and hard of hearing students are recognized for their achievements and given scholarships to continue their undergraduate education.
Grace’s Story
Grace was born on April 12, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, one of nine siblings. Orphaned early and facing significant hearing loss after an accident, her impairment was initially mistaken for a lack of intelligence. A correct diagnosis led to her enrollment at the Detroit School for the Deaf, where she learned to read lips and began a transformative journey.
Through the power of communication, Grace unlocked new opportunities despite continued hearing loss. Support from an audiologist helped her connect more fully with the world, inspiring her family to honor her legacy.
The Grace A. Crowley Foundation was created to support deaf and hard-of-hearing students in memory of Grace’s resilience and journey. The foundation stands as a testament to the importance of education and equal opportunity for all, regardless of physical challenges. We invite you to join us in continuing Grace's legacy by empowering and educating students with hearing impairments. Your contribution can make a lasting difference, echoing Grace’s strength and the transformative power of education.
Together, we can unlock potential and change lives.
Awards & Recognitions
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Andrew Scheiderer will be attending Purdue University.
Jadyn Scott will be attending the University of Colorado Denver.
Emma Cornelison will be attending Auburn University Main Campus.
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Alison DeNamur is from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and attends Ripon College. She is studying Anthropology and History. For fun, Alison is an avid runner and surfer.
Callie Welty is from Grandview, Texas, and attends Texas A&M. She is studying Agricultural Communications and Journalism. Outside the classroom, Callie enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, taking beach trips, cooking, and attending rodeos.
Abigail Vogeler is from Buffalo, Minnesota, and attends Concordia College. She is studying Biology and Theatre Arts. For fun, Abigail likes to play board games. She also enjoys singing, acting, sewing, and thrifting.
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Grace Lavine is from Tucson, Arizona, and attends the University of Arizona. She is a doctoral student studying Audiology.
Zoey Elaine Ondako is from New Castle, Pennsylvania. She recently graduated from New Castle High School and will attend the University of Toledo in the Fall. Zoey will pursue a doctorate in pharmacy (a six-year program).
Aaron Dickmanis from East Lansing, Michigan, and attends Grand Valley State University. His family is moving to Toledo, Ohio, this summer, and he may transfer to the University of Toledo for Fall 2021. Aaron studies Information Technology/Information Systems.
Make an impact today
Support our mission by contributing a donation.