Kerry Lynn Howe Memorial Scholarship

Volena Henningsen Howe ’65 established the Kerry Lynn Howe Memorial Scholarship at SUNY Brockport to honor the memory of her daughter. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding student at the college who is studying nursing, social work, or public health and health education, and who is planning a career in group home administration.

Kerry Lynn Howe was a loved and loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. She had Prader-Willi Syndrome, which affected her physical and intellectual development but did not interfere with her sense of joy or humor. She especially enjoyed times and travels with her mother, Volena Henningsen Howe.

At the time that most young people are going off to college, Kerry entered her first group home with others in her age group who had Prader-Willi Syndrome. Although she had extended stays with her family, she was a group home resident for the remainder of her life. That experience gave her mother insight into the education and training required to become an outstanding group home administrator. A successful group home administrator recognizes that despite their challenges, residents need to feel that they and their time are valuable, through creative outlets and specialized training in appropriate settings.

This scholarship encourages interest on the part of a Brockport junior, senior, or graduate student currently studying in the departments of Nursing, Social Work, or Public Health and Health Education in becoming a successful group home administrator serving atypical children. Applicants also must demonstrate academic excellence through a GPA of 3.0 or better and demonstrate a commitment to a career in group-home administration by submitting a personal statement on the candidate’s reason for selecting this career goal and their vision for creating a successful group home.