Image Initiative, Inc. Announces Scholarship in Honor of Late SU Employee

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A Syracuse-based group that aims to support young women of color in the community announced a new scholarship for students in the City of Syracuse School District in honor of a Syracuse community member and a member of university staff who died in 2020.

The Image Initiative, Inc., in partnership with Steppin’ in Style, has established the Dr. Bridget L. Lawson IMAGE Fellowship, which will be awarded to young women of color who identify as African American, African, Caribbean, or Latina, according to the organization’s website. Recipients will be high school graduates from the Syracuse City School District who plan to pursue part-time or full-time college education, vocational, technical, or trade school, or other certificate programs.

The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis and recipients are eligible to renew the scholarship based on their good academic performance, according to the scholarship website. The application is currently open and will end on April 15.

Bridget L. Lawson, a former SU employee who died September 22, 2020, was associate director of Syracuse’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement. Prior to that, she also served as the SU Academic Services Coordinator for the College Science and Technology Entrance Program.

Lawson earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from Cazenovia College and a master’s degree in social work from SU. She was about to complete her doctorate in the cultural foundations of education at the School of Education, according to a 2020 SU press release. The university awarded him the degree posthumously.

Lawson is remembered for his student advocacy and service to the Syracuse community.

“Dr. Lawson was steeped in beliefs of fellowship, scholarship, and service to her community,” reads the scholarship website. “Dr. Lawson was not only committed to creating successful, diverse, and equitable academic and professional experiences, but she was also committed to social justice activism. She was an example of what it means to serve your community.