Raising a Glass to Louise Wendt White

The evening was filled with joy, tears, and hope, but mostly with happy laughter as a very special group of friends gathered to honor Louise Wendt White, CSU alumna and emeritus faculty member. The reason for the celebration? To toast Louise as she signed a gift agreement to endow and rename her scholarship in honor of her late husband, Andy White.

Four years ago, following Louise’s retirement from the College, a scholarship was established in her name to honor all that Louise has contributed to the Department of Occupational Therapy over her 35 year career at CSU. Louise was an outstanding administrator, teacher, and advisor, garnering numerous recognitions including the Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award, the College of Applied Human Sciences Superior Service Award, and the Jack E. Cermak Outstanding Adviser Award.

Many have given to the Louise Wendt White Scholarship since it was established, and recently, Louise made her own significant gift to have the scholarship endowed. At the signing ceremony in Louise’s home in January, complete with a champagne toast, Louise along with her friends, colleagues, and daughter celebrated as her scholarship was officially endowed and renamed The Andy White Memorial Scholarship.

During Louise’s tenure from 1967 to 2002, her teaching focused on the theory and practice of occupational therapy for adults with physical disabilities, particularly those with neurobehavioral problems. Louise had a passion for preparing students to work with adults with brain injuries. As fate would have it, her husband of 29 years, Andy White, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2000, and died that same year.

When Louise was establishing the endowed scholarship, there was never any question about the criteria for the student recipients. At Louise’s wish, The Andy White Memorial Scholarship will be awarded each year to students in the occupational therapy program who demonstrate a desire and goal to work with adults with acquired brain injury.

During the signing ceremony, guests shared touching stories and appreciation for Louise. As Louise signed the gift agreement, Department Head Wendy Wood thanked her for her generosity and added, “Louise’s longstanding service to the OT program is nothing short of priceless. She is an inspiration to us all, and the legacy of Louise and Andy will carry on in the endowed scholarship that she made possible.”

Former Department Head, Jodie Redditi Hanzlik - who was instrumental in starting the original scholarship - toasted Louise with humor and affection. Jodie recalled the many lives Louise touched, noting that she taught close to 2,000 students during her tenure. Now, with her generous gift, the number of lives affected by Louise has expanded to include not only the recipients of The Andy White Memorial Scholarship, but also the many people and families that the students will go on to serve in their careers.

As everyone expressed gratitude for Louise’s generosity, her contagious smile and most humble response remained, “it is my pleasure.”

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Contact:  Kim Winger
Telephone:  970.491.2797
Email:  Kim.Winger@colostate.edu