In recognition of the unparalleled selflessness and extraordinary commitment of these caregivers, UMGC founded the Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program in 2013. This program, which is managed by UMGC and The Blewitt Foundation in association with the National Military Family Association, provides full tuition, fees and course-required resources for caregivers of recovering servicemembers and veterans.
“Pillars of Strength is truly a marquee program for UMGC,” said President Gregory Fowler. “It continues our long tradition of service to the military. We are so pleased to be able to support [caregivers] as they work to overcome the challenges ahead and improve their own lives and the lives of those they love.”
Here’s what four Pillars of Strength recipients had to say about the impact their scholarship has had on their career and families.
Maggie Keelty ‘20
2019 Pillars of Strength Scholarship recipient
How has your education prepared you for your current employment opportunities?
Through the MBA program at UMGC, I gained knowledge in strategic decision making and leadership, which has prepared me to work in my current role with the U.S. Army. The group work I completed while in school strengthened my ability to work in a team setting, and the virtual resources help me transition to teleworking due to COVID-19. My education greatly prepared me for my current position in ways I didn’t even realized I would need, especially pre-pandemic.
How has the Pillars of Strength Scholarship helped you in your career journey?
Without Pillars of Strength Scholarship, I fully believe I would not have been selected for my position. Earning my master's degree made me competitive in my career field and in my geographic location.
Being a military spouse for 15 years, with 10 military moves and new duty stations, really affected my resume. Staying competitive seemed impossible when we moved back to Maryland. I knew this area had a lot of jobs, but it also had a lot of qualified candidates.
When I applied for the Pillars of Strength Scholarship, it was with the hope that I would be able to find a good job locally to ease the financial burden from my husband, while he managed the difficult transition from active duty to civilian life. After I graduated in March 2020, I began applying for jobs. I needed something local that would have growth potential. I was able to find a position that filled all my requirements. Having an MBA on my resume gave me the leg up I needed.
Hilda Buah-Mensah ‘20
2018 Pillars of Strength Scholarship recipient
How has your education prepared you for your current employment opportunities?
I feel very confident in the fact that I will be able to land my dream job with this certificate. The degree has prepared me to be able to contribute to the information systems industry.
How has the Pillars of Strength Scholarship helped you in your career journey?
I am grateful for the Pillars of Strength Scholarship. Without it, I would not have been able to pursue a master’s degree. It has always been my dream to pursue a degree in the information systems field, but IS courses cost so much that I couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket.
The Pillars of Strength scholarship lifted that cost and burden from my family and funded my tuition for the degree. I have more opportunities because of this kind act.
Noelle Savage ‘20
2018 Pillars of Strength Scholarship recipient
How has your education prepared you for your current employment opportunities?
I am currently a soldier and family readiness specialist for the Pennsylvania National Guard. I help connect servicemembers and veterans with available resources, support unit commanders with family readiness, and support families of deployed service members.
The courses I took during my master’s program taught me strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the desire to always look for learning opportunities. These skills have been crucial when working with military leadership, service members, veterans, families and community partners. My education, along with my personal experiences of being a military spouse, has made this job the perfect fit for me. My job is very fulfilling, and I love supporting our nation’s heroes.
How has the Pillars of Strength Scholarship helped you in your career journey?
I am so thankful to have been selected as a Pillars of Strength Scholarship recipient. Having a master’s degree has given me a competitive edge in the workplace that I would not have if it were not for this scholarship. Obtaining this level of education has opened so many possibilities. I look forward to seeing where my career will take me in the future!
Vanessa Engelhardt ‘21
2014 Pillars of Strength Scholarship recipient
How has your education prepared you for your current employment opportunities?
I am so glad and grateful to report that in May I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology and Aging Studies with a Minor in Psychology. Through the amazing workplace learning component of my degree program, I was introduced to elder justice concerns and found a passion in the prevention of elder financial abuse and exploitation.
How has the Pillars of Strength Scholarship helped you in your career journey?
Where I go from here is uncertain. However, the greatest gifts and learning have come from this journey, not just the end destination. Beyond a debt-free formal education, this scholarship program provided me with opportunities for immense personal growth and connection to many kind and supportive people.
Over the past five years, I realized I am far more capable than I gave myself credit for. I learned to have patience with myself and life situations, endurance, and very importantly, how to bring much-needed balance into my life—things I think many caregivers struggle with.
In addition to wonderful learning opportunities, I came in contact with some exceptional people at UMGC. I felt supported every step of the way, from registration, to course selection, mentorship, internship, and even beyond graduation. There are truly special people at UMGC.
Without the Pillars of Strength Scholarship, I am uncertain if I would have ever pursued a four-year degree. It is with heartfelt gratitude I wish to thank everyone involved in the Pillars of Strength Scholarship and the donors who made this opportunity possible for me.
Learn more
Learn more about the Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program and how to donate to support future students, click here.