Gift From DU Grads Creates New Scholarship Supporting Women’s Leadership

Building the next generation of female leaders—and others who champion them— is the aim of a new scholarship fund and initiative created with the support of two Dominican University alumnae. 

A generous gift from Donna Renn ’68 and Suzanne High will provide scholarships for up to five Dominican students who demonstrate a commitment to supporting women’s leadership. 

This initiative will also provide opportunities for mentorship and dialogue between women leaders and students, as well as internships to help students build their leadership potential. It is inspired by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, pioneers of women's higher education. 

“Historically, women’s colleges have done so much to create a space where young people can develop into who they want to be,” said Sara Acosta, vice president for University Advancement. “There are fewer and fewer all-women’s colleges today, but that space was so important in creating a generation of leaders who have changed the world. We want to continue to inspire the next generation of leaders just as the Sisters inspired students of other generations.” 

“There are more and more career opportunities now for women, which is great, but there is still a dearth of opportunities for women in leadership,” noted Renn, an attorney for 45 years. “Any effort to help students become more knowledgeable about leadership skills and help them attain those skills is something I am interested in.” 

It was her experience at Rosary College in the 1960s that allowed her to see beyond the traditional career paths that were available to women at the time, she said. 

“You can come from a small university like Dominican and make history,” Renn said. “I am hoping Dominican will change the world one student at a time.”