Kijhauna Autumn Stevens, the first person in her family to go to college, is attending Fairfield University this fall with help from UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE: UIL) and its employees.
Stevens, a graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport, is the recipient of the 2015 Kim Norris Scholarship. UIL awarded the $2,000 scholarship to Stevens for the 2015-16 academic year. This is a renewable four-year scholarship for Stevens, who will be studying accounting.The scholarship fund was established in memory of Kimberly J. Norris, a training specialist who worked for The United Illuminating Company for 30 years before passing away in September 2012. Norris believed in life-long learning and recognized the importance of education. She returned to school later in life to get her associate’s degree as she pursued professional growth. She inspired her colleagues with her determination and perseverance.
The Norris scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating Bridgeport public high school student majoring in business at a two- or four-year college, is a partnership between UIL employees and The Bridgeport Public Education Fund. Steven’s application highlighted her leadership skills, her academic achievements and her involvement in the community. In her essay, she expressed her love of math and her goal to become an accountant. She also said that she would be the first person in her family to go to college. She is eager to volunteer and give back to her community while being a role model for her younger sister.
“I want to show my little sister that working hard does pay off and that giving back to your community is important. Both are ideals my parents instilled in me early on. I’m grateful and proud to receive the scholarship,” said Stevens, who also enjoyed science classes at Central High School.
“I really enjoy math but if I was to choose a second career it would be nursing,” Stevens said.
UIL employees have the option to contribute to the scholarship fund during the corporation’s annual Employee Giving Campaign, and the corporation contributes matching dollars. Students participating in the Bridgeport Public Education Fund’s College Assistance Program were eligible to apply.
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