2002 Academic Scholarship

Our original plan was to begin scholarship efforts in 2003, but when we learned in 2002 about the aspirations of Stacy Lambert, we picked up the pace.

Stacy is currently the Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. This is quite a demanding job, but also rewarding. She recruits and places close to 14,000 volunteers each year to further Atlanta Habitat's mission of building affordable housing in partnership with sponsors, donors, and communities. Prior to becoming the Volunteer Coordinator three years ago, she served for a year as a VISTA volunteer at a nearby non-profit, focusing on community development and home repair for senior citizens. The VISTA program is a year of service -- similar to the Peace Corps -- but volunteers serve domestically rather than internationally.

The change in career from corporate to non-profit was precipitated by some promptings from God to follow another direction with Stacy's vocation. She has more recently been prompted to further her education and is excited about her new status as a GSU graduate student. She is looking forward to learning more about public policy formation and analysis, and the overall management of non-profits -- including finance, fundraising, human resources, and leadership. She doesn't know yet exactly what God will have her do, but is excited about the journey.

Stacy submitted an application to The Beech Foundation Board, and after the review process was complete, the Board of Directors voted to grant her scholarship support.  She was formally presented with our first scholarship award on December 31, 2002.  Stacy will serve as an Advisor to The Beech Foundation, helping us understand better how to support those committed to non-profit career callings.