Parr Family Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship History
The Parr Family Memorial Endowment was established by Mary Parr after the death of her husband, Bob, July 13, 2002. The first scholarship was awarded in 2004.
A son, Alan Parr, and parents, Harold and Ardis Parr, preceded him in death. The Parr family is known as a family of educators. Bob, his mother, his Aunt Mary, and both daughters, Kate and Liz were or are teachers. Mary thought it only fitting to carry on the tradition by helping worthy students to further their education.
Mary has been an ESA member for over 50 years having joined in 1958 in Madison, Wisconsin. At the time, Mother-in-law, Ardis, was dean of the local business college, which was a source of members for the ESA Beta Zeta Chapter. In 1958, there weren’t many opportunities for women to join organizations and develop leadership skills.
Mary has since moved to St. Paul, MN and affiliated with the Alpha Lambda Chapter, which at that time had 22 members. Mary has served her chapter in all offices and committees and was the Minnesota State President 1986-87.
Mary states that joining ESA is one of the best things she ever did and has made many lasting friendships over the years. She is a Life member of both ESA and ESA Foundation. Her daughter, Kate, is also a member of ESA. It was an honor for Mary to install her daughter as the 2007-08 Minnesota State President.
The Parr Family Memorial Endowment is focused more on financial need rather than scholastic ability. Mary established this endowment to help those students who want to further their education, but do not qualify for much, if any aid.
Since education played such an important part in the lives of so many in the Parr family, it is Mary’s hope the family will continue to see that the Endowment continues to be funded.
Scholarship Data
2 @ $700.00
Judging Criteria
Service / Leadership: 40%
Financial Need: 40%
Scholastic Ability: 10%
Requirements
GPA
Min: 2.50
Max: 3.00
State
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Wisconsin