New scholarship for aspiring writers

Walter Peterson, former New Hampshire Governor, and his wife Dorothy Peterson have set up a $25,000 scholarship for PSU English Majors pursing a bachelor’s degree in writing or English teaching. In a press release, Sylvia Bryant, the executive director of advancement at PSU, said, “The Petersons’ gift is far-reaching in its generosity and intent with the potential to benefit generations of PSU students for years to come, especially those students who love to write. We are grateful for their generous investment in the future of the University and our students, one that will provide aspiring students of writing excellence the tools they need to succeed not just at Plymouth State but throughout their careers, as well.” The Petersons’ scholarship is a charitable donation and could financially help students who are interested in a career involving writing.This scholarship also supports the work of the Peterson’s daughter, Meg Peterson, a current professor at PSU and founder of The Plymouth Writing Project, because it is helping education become more affordable and therefore more attainable for students at PSU. Elizabeth Ahl, the English department chair said, “I think this scholarship will be a tremendous resource for students who devote themselves to the written word, and who might not otherwise be able to afford to pursue that passion. This scholarship is important because it underscores the notion that there is real value in the work of both writers and writing teachers. It is so appropriate that this scholarship recognizes the vitally important work of Meg Petersen, who works tirelessly and in a great variety of ways to promote the teaching of writing and writing by teachers across our state.” The Plymouth Writing Project, which this scholarship supports, is New Hampshire’s division of the National Writing Project which is dedicated to ensuring excellent teaching of writing in every state and considers high quality education both a necessity and a right for all students. The Peterson scholarship supports the Plymouth Writing Project because it will help students who are working towards a bachelor’s degree in English teaching or writing achieve their goals by making their education more affordable.