Mary Lou Kouba Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Environmental Science Established
Dr. Nelia Afonso and Dr. George Alangaden have established a scholarship in memory of their neighbor and cherished friend, the late Mary Lou Kouba, with a generous gift to the Department of Environmental Science and Geology.
From a young age, Mary Lou Kouba was always thinking beyond the confines of her hometown of Dearborn Heights. Growing up the only daughter in a very traditional post-Depression household, college was hardly a guarantee for Mary Lou, but she was determined to further her education and made it there regardless.
As a young woman, she remained fiercely independent and soon struck out west to California, settling in the Bay Area for several decades where she was immersed in the transformative movements for racial, gender and economic equality at a time when these beliefs were still deeply controversial. Mary Lou later returned to Michigan to care for her aging parents and would spend the remainder of her years back in her childhood home. Mary Lou lived a modest and private life, but her warmth and selflessness to those around her were truly unparalleled.
Her exceptional generosity makes this endowed scholarship possible, a lasting tribute to an incredible woman. Of the many causes she supported, Mary Lou was particularly passionate about climate change and environmental justice.
Dr. Afonso and Dr. Alangaden commented about the scholarship, “Mary Lou Kouba was undoubtedly a woman ahead of her time. In honor of Mary Lou, we hope that this scholarship will support forward-thinking students who are motivated to tackle the myriad challenges that define our world today.”
The Mary Lou Kouba Scholarship has been established to support students in their sophomore, junior or senior year majoring in Environmental Sciences who are in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. For consideration, applicants will submit a short, recorded video clip to the program director addressing their interest in urban challenges, urban sustainability and community engagement. Recipients may have the flexibility to allocate this award towards tuition, fees and other educational expenses.
We are profoundly grateful to Drs. Afonso and Alangaden and to their friend Mary Lou Kouba for their commitment to environmental science, urban sustainability and community engagement. The inaugural application cycle is slated to begin in spring 2024.