Lori Ann Schwab ’95 was committed to making the world a better place by helping others, but her life was cut short by a sudden illness while she was studying in London in 1994. The Lori Ann Schwab ’95 Alumni Grant recognizes the ongoing community service of Grinnellians who were at the College with Lori. The grant provides stipends to support specific projects or fulfill the needs of nonprofit service organizations or public schools in which these individuals are significantly involved.

Grinnell College alumni (defined by the College as anyone who was enrolled at least one full semester) from the classes of 1992 through 1998 are eligible to apply for the grant.

The number of grants awarded varies from year to year based on the financial performance of the fund and the number of applications deemed deserving. Each grant awarded is for a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $1,500. Applications for grants must demonstrate a tangible benefit to others.

Stipends may be used to support original projects, to supplement existing projects or programs, or to fund professional development. Preference will be given to proposals that benefit children.

The following examples of possible unfunded or underfunded needs (listed in random order) are meant to stimulate thought but not to limit ideas:

• Books, art supplies, or science equipment
• Health or safety outreach programs
• Senior/school or “buddy” partnerships
• Field trips to museums or environmental centers
• Activities in homeless shelters
• Attendance at conferences or workshops on learning disorders

The alumnus must be significantly involved as a staff member or a volunteer at the organization or public school that benefi ts from the grant. Organizations (with the exception of public schools) must be 501(c)(3) nonprofi ts as defined by the IRS.

The grant is paid directly to the individual who submits the application. The recipient may keep the amount of his/her grant needed to defray any tax burden incurred as a result of the award.

Applications are solicited through classletters and class listservs for appropriate classes and through College publications. The deadline for applications is the third Monday in February. Members of the selection committee include faculty, staff, and alumni, who will consult with members of Lori Ann Schwab’s family. Recipients are announced at Reunion and recognized in College publications.

To apply for the Lori Ann Schwab '95 Alumni Grant, please submit the following to the Office of Social Commitment, 1115 8th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112 by the third Monday in February.

• A completed, signed application form
• A 2-3 page brief essay which answers the following questions: a) Describe your project. Why is it important? What are its goals? b) Why is this project especially important to you? c) What is your work plan (if applicable)?
• A proposed project budget
• Letter of support from your sponsoring organization/public school
• Confirmation of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable)

Lori (standing far right) worked as an art counselor at Roughing It, a day camp near her home.

It is all too infrequently that we meet someone with Lori’s smile, with her energy, and her enthusiasm for life and experience. She touched many people and taught them by example how to laugh, how to appreciate the art around them, and how to put their principles into action.

I have many memories of Lori being so happy because of the smallest things. She used to love telling silly jokes, and when she was telling them she had a grin that was so bright and happy you couldn’t help but laugh.

Lori was in constant communication with her friends, and it appears that everyone with whom she came into contact became a friend. This is a gift that few possess and even fewer use well.

Behind her giggles was a strength of conviction and a desire to conquer her fears, which she imparted to everyone who knew her.

I always appreciated our short conversations because I knew that when she asked how I was doing, she genuinely wanted to know.

I remember when I broke my ankle … .At breakfast the next morning, Lori was there to bus my tray and help me to class. She carried my books as I hobbled along, knowing she’d be late if she walked with me.

Horace said, ‘CARPE DIEM’– seize the day. Lori sure did that.

Lori had such a sweet soul. To talk merely of her smile and her warmth is only to scratch the surface. … I never felt I had to hide my true feelings from her, or be anything I wasn’t, as she would never judge me.

What shines forth is her passion for social justice and her compassion for those who have been unjustly deprived. In these stirrings of her heart, Lori was a person of rare and valuable commitment.

[Discussing a camper with Down’s syndrome] During her one week with this camper, your daughter showed deep devotion to the idea of beating the odds. … Never before have I seen such determination or courage. Lori was and always will be a tribute to camp counseling.

She lived her life as a blessing, and I promise that as much as I am able, I will make her memory a blessing as well.

Lori found pleasure and comfort in ordinary places and things that most of us took for granted.

Doug Cutchins '93
Director of Social Commitment
cutchins@grinnell.edu
1115 8th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112
(641) 269-4940