Elaine Marie Smith Endowed Scholarship
Elaine Marie Smith attended Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings) and received her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Related Services on June 3, 1979. Elaine continued with her education at EMC as a graduate student majoring in Rehabilitation Counseling. She was known for her special expertise in the area of traumatic brain injury. She served as an example to students, faculty, and the general public through her active and unselfish service to people with disabilities. Elaine loved what she was doing and was very devoted to EMC and all the people with whom she worked. On June 3, 1989, she participated in the graduation ceremonies for her Masters in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. Sadly, while completing an incomplete, she passed away July 25, 1989, after a long battle with cancer. In tribute to Elaine, her parents, Glenn and Clarice, and their son, John, established the Elaine Marie Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship for deserving students majoring in Vocational Rehabilitative Services. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 1992-1993.
Impact
“I would like to thank you for providing the Elaine Marie Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship so that I can continue my studies in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling, such as Elaine was able to do several decades ago. I am especially honored to receive this scholarship because I currently work with several clients who have sustained brain injuries, an area in which Elaine had much experience and expertise… This year has been a difficult one for me, due to a recent cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty surrounding my health. However, gaining this scholarship has given me reason to think positively about my future, as well as the promising future of those I hope to serve after graduation.” — Robert S., Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling major