Mary Elizabeth Lasher Barnette Women’s Leadership Scholarship Fund

Shayne Lopez • January 11, 2019

 

The Mary Elizabeth Lasher Barnette Women’s Leadership Scholarship Fund was established by the daughters of Mary Elizabeth Lasher Barnette to honor their mother’s leadership and devotion to the journalism profession and to Ohio University.

 

The daughter of Elizabeth Siddons and George Starr Lasher, Mrs. Barnette grew up in Athens. She became the first woman editor of the O.U. Post student newspaper in 1941 before graduating with a journalism degree in 1942. She broke professional barriers in New York City, becoming the first female reporter and columnist to work for Editor and Publisher, a trade journal for the newspaper industry. Later in her career, she worked as a reporter, weekly newspaper editor, and public relations executive in the Buffalo, New York area. Mrs. Barnette devoted her retirement years between 1989 and 2007 in Athens, Ohio to building scholarship opportunities for students at both the collegiate and high school levels.

 

This fund will support the education of women leaders in the field of journalism who will make lasting contributions to their profession and deliver quality journalism to the public.

By Shayne Lopez March 19, 2026
We are pleased to announce that the Rocky Community Improvement Fund (RCIF) Spring 2026 grant cycle is now open. Applications will be accepted until April 19, 2026. RCIF supports communities where Rocky Brands employees live and work, directing funding to projects in Nelsonville, Buchtel, Haydenville, Trimble, Murray City, Glouster, Carbon Hill, and surrounding areas. Since 2013, the fund has partnered with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation to match charitable contributions from Rocky Brands employees.  Eligible applicants include organizations serving Nelsonville, nearby villages, and the broader counties of Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, and Washington. Funding priorities are as follows: Children’s welfare and education Hunger School programs Senior citizens Developmental disabilities Community development and infrastructure Housing initiatives Animal welfare Community beautification Environmental programs Please note that funding is limited, with a total of $50,000 available. We encourage interested organizations to apply early and reach out with any questions.
By Emily Prince March 11, 2026
Advancing Participation in Athens County
By Emily Prince March 11, 2026
Celebrate Community