Release Date: January 5, 2007
Robert and Alivia Lipson Endowed Arts Scholarship established
Contact: Jeremy Craig, KSU University Relations, 770-423-6023 or jcraig@kennesaw.edu
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Above: KSU Arts Dean Joseph Meeks (center) announced the creation of the scholarship in honor of Robert (left) and Alivia (right) in October 2006, prior to Dr. Lipson's death. Photo by Sarah Kellner Below: Daughter Rachel Lipson joined Alivia Lipson for the official scholarship signing in February 2007, which was attended by KSU President Daniel S. Papp, among others. Photo by Jim Bolt |
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KENNESAW, Ga. (Jan. 5, 2007)—
With the stroke of a pen Monday morning‚ outstanding students of Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts got the opportunity to further their studies‚ thanks to a scholarship named after two of the college’s biggest supporters.
Officials signed an agreement to establish the Robert and Alivia Lipson Endowed Arts Scholarship for students of Kennesaw State’s College of the Arts.
The scholarship is named for the late Dr. Robert A. Lipson‚ president and CEO of WellStar Health System‚ and his wife‚ Alivia “Livvy” Kazer Lipson‚ who are both long−time supporters of KSU and the College of the Arts. Dr. Lipson passed away in November 2006‚ just weeks after an exhibition of his photography opened at KSU.
Mrs. Lipson and their daughter‚ Dr. Rachel Ellen Lipson‚ joined Dr. Daniel S. Papp‚ president of Kennesaw State in the signing ceremony at Kennesaw Hall‚ along with Joseph Meeks‚ dean of the College of the Arts‚ and Dr. Wesley Wicker‚ vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the KSU Foundation.
“As we take a look back at Livvy and Rob’s friendship and collaboration with Kennesaw State and the arts‚ we’re so proud and so pleased that they are a part of our family‚” Papp said.
“They exemplify what it means to be friends of the arts‚” Meeks said. “Not only did they give to us financially‚ but they were interested in what we're doing.”
The scholarship is funded by money generated from the college’s annual benefit gala. The Lipsons have attended every gala since its inception in 2002‚ even just hours after returning from an overseas trip.
“Rob and Livvy could literally get off the plane at five in the afternoon‚ and they would still be at our event‚” Meeks said. “That's true friendship‚ and true interest.”
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to a student enrolled in the College of the Arts at KSU‚ and may be used for tuition‚ fees and/or related educational or living expenses. In order to qualify for the scholarship‚ a student must be enrolled full time at KSU‚ have a declared major in the College of the Arts‚ be listed in good academic standing and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
The Robert and Alivia Lipson Scholarship is endowed at $20‚000.
An avid photographer‚ Dr. Lipson’s photography was featured during a month−long exhibit at KSU’s Sturgis Library Gallery. The 48−piece collection included vivid color photographs he snapped over a 35−year period.
Another exhibition of Dr. Lipson’s photography is anticipated later this year at Kennesaw State‚ in remembrance and celebration of his life and work.
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A member of the 35-unit University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing student population approaching 20‚000 from 132 countries. The third largest state university in Georgia‚ Kennesaw State offers more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degrees‚ including a new Doctorate of Education in Leadership.
The KSU College of the Arts is one of only four Georgia institutions to have achieved full national accreditation for all of its arts programs.