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If I Could Say Thank You...

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Jessica Simmons is a recipient of the Gladys Wenthe scholarship.

By Jessica Simmons '12, Elementary Education

If I could say thank you to my scholarship donor, Gladys Wenthe, I would thank her from the bottom of my heart and let her know she is helping people in such a positive way. I would tell her how much I appreciate this and how meaningful it is.

College was challenging for me. It was so different from high school and was a real eye-opener. Classes were not easy throughout my four years, but that just made me even more proud when I walked across that stage!

What I enjoyed most was the campus atmosphere. Everyone was extremely friendly and professors were always very helpful and understanding. I met some of my best friends at UNI. These are definitely great memories to look back on.

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The late Gladys Wenthe, scholarship donor, reads to children at the Boys and Girls club in Waterloo, Iowa.

Last fall I did my student-teaching in Minnesota. I love teaching because I love to connect with kids. There is always something new and exciting every day—never a dull moment.

I am grateful for all my experiences at UNI, and I am grateful to Gladys Wenthe for giving to someone she would never meet.

Gladys Wenthe graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in 1944. She died in 2004, but her legacy lives on. A schoolteacher for many years, she was known for her giving nature and big heart. She believed all children would contribute to society if they had the opportunity. Through her gift of scholarship, she has and is creating invaluable opportunities

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