Sue Kaufman Memorial Scholarship

About the Scholarship

Today is the day that I celebrate Mother’s Day!! For the last 19 years I have proudly given a scholarship in memory of my Mom, Sue Kaufman. To me there is no greater honor one can receive than to be recognized for the good deeds you did in life, long after you have passed. It is my honor to continue this tradition for my mom.

Mom was a tireless volunteer for this organization even though she had many health issues that often made it difficult for her.  Mom got sick when I was 10 years old. She suffered from chronic asthma most of her life, and sadly the steroid drugs used to control her breathing took their toll on the rest of her body resulting in extreme osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.  She was only 64 years old when she died.

My mother never graduated from college but made the most of things by being a good wife; a great mother, a loving grandmother, a selfless volunteer and an especially – being a great friend. She was my best friend and though I did not know it at the time, she was also the best trainer of compassionate care-taking a girl could ask for.  I started giving these scholarships out after her death in 2002 and It has been my greatest honor every year to connect my mother’s name to helping these young Jewish women, as I know their stories would have touched her heart as they have touched mine.

My intention in giving this Memorial scholarship out every year is simply to inspire my recipient to pursue her dreams and to remember to give back along the way. I look for someone that my Mom or I have a commonality with. A girl that does not let challenges stop her from pursuing her future endeavors.

2021 Scholarship Recipient – Marina Levine

My name is Marina Levine, and I’m from Denver, Colorado. I recently graduated from Cherry Creek High School, and I will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall. I plan on majoring in economics with a minor in psychology as I am fascinated by the rationality (or irrationality) behind the way humans make decisions. In high school I spent my time mentoring middle school students with learning disabilities, playing tennis, and discovering my passion for learning as I developed a unique fondness of Spanish literature. I am so honored to receive the Sue Kaufman Memorial Scholarship this year as it connects me further to the Jewish community and will aid me in my endeavors in college.

2020 Scholarship Recipient – Allison Speir

My name is Allison Speir and I am so honored to be the recipient of this year’s Sue Kaufman Memorial Scholarship. I am from Centennial, Colorado, and recently graduated from Cherry Creek High School. This fall I will be attending the University of Colorado to study Sociology on the Pre-Occupational Therapy track. I will be a part of the LIVE Leadership Program as well. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey!

Watch my acceptance video