New scholarship honors Interpreter Training graduate

A new scholarship for students seeking an associate’s degree in Interpreter Training was announced at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 26, 2020.

The Mandi Lynch Memorial Scholarship was established by the Cincinnati State Foundation and the family of Amanda “Mandi” Lynch, a 2012 Cincinnati State graduate who died suddenly in April 2020.

According to the family, Mandi’s love of sign language started at an early age, when she saw her father, Karl, using American Sign Language to faciliate engine testing as an employee at Aviall/Boeing.

She was also inspired by her aunt, Anita Kreger, to pursue a degree in the Deaf Studies field.

Prior to her death, Mandi was employed in direct support in a group home for adults with disabilities.

Interpreter Training Program (ITP) Chair Dawn Caudill said, “Mandi was a great student, and I love that we can honor her and keep her memory alive through this memorial scholarship.”

“Many interpreting students will benefit from Mandi and her family’s generosity,” Dawn added.

“I’m happy we can honor Mandi now, and for many years to come, by helping others to achieve their dream of becoming a sign language interpreter.”

• Students eligible for the new scholarship must be their final year of the Interpreter Training Program, enrolled either full-time or part-time, and planning to complete a bachelor’s degree after earning their associate’s degree at Cincinnati State.
   
• Recipients will be selected in coordination with the ITP program chair.
   
• You can make an online donation to the scholarship fund at https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/about/cstate-foundation/donate-online. Select “Mandi Lynch Memorial Scholarship” from the drop-down menu.

If you have questions about the scholarship, please contact Kim Taylor, Alumni and Development Affairs Manager (kim.taylor@cincinnatistate.edu).