Loftus Mini-Grants make impact on St. Thomas, community; Grant Cycle 4 proposals accepted until April 11

The Loftus Mini-Grants announces its fourth call for proposals. The application will be available on the Office of Institutional Diversity Web site beginning Thursday, March 6, and will be due by Friday, April 11.

The Loftus Mini-Grant was established in 2006 by Bob and Mary Jo Loftus. The Loftus' are the parents of an alumnus and a current student. Through their generosity, the endowment is used to support programs and projects at the University of St. Thomas that will improve access – particularly in the area of health care – for underserved populations. Grants awards vary between $500 (minimum) and $2,500 (maximum).

The fund can focus on diverse aspects and approaches to providing access to health care. Some previously funded projects include faculty research on first-generation students and the impact of the college experience on their mental health; helping staff to address the medical and health care needs of ESL students; and faculty research on the health care of women incarcerated in prisons.

Since the endowment’s establishment, a total of $17,500 has been awarded to faculty and staff projects. The funded projects and project leads follow:

Grant Cycle 1 – fall 2006

Madonna McDermott, director, Student Health Services and Wellness Center

• Project Title: “Health Care for Students who are English as a Second/Other Language Speakers”

Dr. J. Roxanne Prichard, assistant professor, Psychology Department

• Project Title: “Brain Awareness Week: Educational Outreach"

Dr. Buffy Smith, assistant professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice Department

• Project Title: "Examining the Academic Cultural and Social Capital of Underrepresented and First-Generation College Students"

Grant Cycle 2 – spring 2007

Denise Dieffenbach, director, Office of Multicultural Student Services

• Project Title: "Mind, Body and Soul – Building Multicultural Students’ Self-Esteem and Confidence"

Nekima Levy-Pounds, associate professor of law and director of the Community Justice Program (CJP)

• Project Title: "Improving Access to Quality Health Care for Incarcerated Women"

Grant Cycle 3 – fall 2007

Dr. Robert Brown, professor emeritus, School of Education

• Project Title: "Equity in Mental Health: Connecting with Underserved Communities"

Birdie Cunningham, health educator, UST Wellness Center

• Project Title: "The Science of Food: Helping International Students Make Healthy Eating Choices"

Grants are provided in two cycles throughout the year – fall and spring. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to apply for the grant for this current spring cycle.

For more information, contact Tamara Tesch, (651) 962-6958. Forward your completed applications via e-mail to Tesch by April 11.