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University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) alumna Renee Clement knows every dollar can make a difference to students as they balance school, work and home. During her time at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, the mother of five received a handful of scholarships, including the Women's Education Scholarship.

"I was thrilled to receive this scholarship because it is specifically for non-traditional female students like myself," Clement, a May 2021 graduate, said. "I was honored to be part of this group of nontraditional women scholars who put their lives on hold to go back to school and balance everything."

Clement shared the impact of the scholarship at the Women of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Holiday Scholarship luncheon. She was the keynote speaker from 2020, but the luncheon was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clement, who delivered it virtually last year, was asked to speak at the in-person event this month.

"Renee's story is so incredible that we needed to highlight it again," Karen Frost, founding chairwoman of the Women of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, said.

Holding the luncheon in person also allowed the Women of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ members to meet and hear from the scholarship recipients.

Each year, the award $1,000 scholarships to women older than 25 pursuing undergraduate degrees. The shared interest group of alumni, faculty and staff is dedicated to promoting the role of women as confident leaders and active participants at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

The students awarded the Women's Education Scholarship this year are:

• Oluwakemi Adesina, a 38-year-old junior from Buford, Georgia, is pursuing a nursing degree.
• Carly Neal, a 27-year-old freshman from Hoschton, Georgia, is pursuing a general studies degree.
• Natalie Osborn, a 34-year-old senior, from Buford, Georgia is pursuing a sociology degree.
• Julia Rehm, a 32-year-old junior from Dawsonville, Georgia, is pursuing a nursing degree.
• Krista Sims, a 39-year-old senior from Gainesville, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in English with teacher certification.
• Cristin Vinson, a 39-year-old junior from Oakwood, Georgia, is pursuing a biology degree.

"I'm like a triage nurse for students' academic pursuits," Clement said. "I assess the situation and get the students to the correct department or the right resources."

Now, she helps students find their path.

"I found my second career opportunity here," Clement said.