Benefitting CDIS students through the LHL Scholarship Fund

Jessica Molnar

A future bilingual speech-language pathologist was the recipient of the 2023 Lowe Hildebrand Lubinsky (LHL) Scholarship, which will help toward her full-time graduate studies at Governors State University (GovState).

Jessica Molinar was awarded the scholarship for her extensive leadership activities and commitment to community service. She holds three jobs so she can pursue her graduate studies in Communication Disorders. 

“It's been challenging to work multiple jobs and continue attending graduate school,” Molinar said. “This scholarship will greatly impact my financial and academic goals.”

The LHL Scholarship was created to lessen the financial barriers for students who want to become speech-language pathologists. It is named for Dr. John Lowe, Susanne Hildebrand and Dr. Jay Lubinsky, the founders of the Communication Disorder program at GovState. 

The scholarship received a major financial boost in May thanks to a fundraising gala that brought in $17,000. The event – its first post-pandemic -- was held at the Chicago Yacht Club. The lakefront soiree served to connect alumni and friends of the Communication Disorders program with the goal of supporting students. 

“We were delighted to raise enough funds to endow the LHL Scholarship for students in Communication Disorders—the goal was achieved,” said Jessica Bonner, chair of the department of Communication Disorders who organized the fundraiser.

 “It is the spirit and soul of the Communication Disorders family that is at the root of the Lowe Hildebrand Lubinsky endowed scholarship fund,” said Catherine Balthazar, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, speaking at the event. “Lowe, Hildebrand and Lubinsky were a part of every CDIS student’s story until they retired. Their legacy lives on in our unique, community-based practicum training system and continuously accredited graduate curriculum.”

Lowe arrived at GovState in 1972, and together with Hildebrand and Lubinsky, grew the program and faculty. The master’s program was accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in 1987.

Balthazar emphasized that in the 50 years of GovState, the goal is to “open doors and knock down barriers for students, to provide access and promote success. This scholarship removes a barrier and opens a door.” 

Molinar earned the scholarship for her community involvement and leadership. In 2020, she enlisted in the Air National Guard, which then inspired extensive volunteer work with the American Red Cross and Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She is also active with on-campus activities. 

“This (community service work) has helped me as a student and in my personal life to grow, be knowledgeable and take on strategic risks to continue on learning and expanding,” Molinar wrote in applying for the scholarship. “My past experiences have also helped me become knowledgeable in areas where people are in need, spread awareness and be a voice to advocate for others' needs … and share my story of how I learned to become a leader and how others can, too.”

Stephanie Kowalski was also awarded a scholarship in 2022-23. In 2021-22, the winners were Carolina Serrato and Jassmin Dhillon.

To learn more about the Lowe Hildebrand Lubinsky (LHL) Scholarship and to make a gift, visit www.govst.edu/donate-lhl/.