Memorial donations to NOGLSTP’s Out to Innovate™ Scholarship for LGBTQ Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math have been received in memory of Elizabeth R. (Betty) Doucette of Pittsford Massachusetts. Betty grew up with limited means but pursued knowledge throughout her life. She worked for the Pittsfield Public School system for many years and dedicated her life to the betterment of her town’s youth. Her children have STEM careers and she became an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in her small town with her daughter’s coming out as well as welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community into her home.
Out to Innovate™ scholarships are intended for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) programs who are either lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBTQ+) or an active ally of the LGBTQ+ community. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and to increase visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM career. The Doucette family feels that the these scholarships are geared to supporting students who possess the two characteristics their mom was most passionate about, the pursuit of education in one of the STEM fields and an LGBTQ community member. They hope the donation will be helpful in supporting and furthering Betty’s memory through the promotion of education in the LGBTQ+ community.
NOGLSTP honors Betty Doucette’s memory and wishes to thank her family and friends for these donations collected at her memorial service in May 2015.