By Joel Howard

Litchfield County University Club (LCUC) awarded its first scholarship over 100 years ago, soon after a handful of philanthropic locals banded together to achieve a goal of aiding deserving students in furthering their education. Having been the idea of Norfolk patrons Carl and Ellen Battell Stoeckel, the group held its first meeting at Whitehouse, and today it continues unabated in its quest to help young people realize their academic dreams.

At a dinner ceremony last month, current year awards were announced, resulting in a total of $64,500 being bestowed upon 36 students. The process began with an original 97 applicants, which was then winnowed to 46 contenders by the group’s Scholarship Committee. These students then proceeded to in-person interviews, where thoughtful yet topical questions are used to delve into an applicant’s aspirations.

One question asks the student what word best describes him or her, a deceptively simple question that has such possibilities as to be a real poser. More detailed answers are called for elsewhere in the application, especially one that asks of a student his or her opinion as to the most crucial issue facing our country today.

The process is not without surprises, as long-time committee member Jeannine Broomhall has found. Applicants are often atypical of modern teenagers, so much so that upon being asked in 2010 about Facebook and Twitter, all applicants responded they hadn’t the time to devote to the two wildly popular social web sites.

As for the members of LCUC, they come from Litchfield County communities. Like so many programs to be found locally, LCUC is dependent on the financial largesse of donors. The time and talent of its members also serve a vital role.

One new member who also serves on the Scholarship Committee is Norfolk resident Shelley Harms.  Her son Dan Torrey was a scholarship recipient just last year, spurring Harms to get involved in what she already saw as a good organization. She’s already happy she climbed aboard.

“I loved interviewing the kids – so interesting, with so many different experiences and plans,” she enthused. One computer guru was so impressive that Harms opined that he might be the next Bill Gates.

As for Torrey, he has used his scholarship money to attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He returned last month to attend this year’s award ceremonies, giving a speech detailing his life as a college freshman. Asked about his award, he allowed that “the scholarship was great. School’s expensive, so any help was appreciated.”

Membership requirements are simple. One must be a Litchfield county resident and college (or equivalent) graduate and pay the annual dues of $120, which includes the cost of the group’s twice annual dinners. 

“I would love to see more people from Norfolk become involved,” said Harms.  She also noted that there is great joy and satisfaction in helping deserving students make their way to college.

And according to Norfolk member John Funchion, seeing kids achieve their dreams is not all work. “Interviewing very bright kids annually has been a hoot.”

More information about LCUC can be found at www.litchfieldcountyuniversityclub.org