The Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois is proud to announce the recent creation and endowment of the Mary Frances Picciano Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship was created by a former student to show appreciation for the impact Mary Frances made on shaping her professional career path.  Mary Frances was one of the ISRHML founders and a former President of the society.  Many ISRHML members were her dear friends, colleagues and former trainees.   She was a faculty member at the University of Illinois and Penn State University and finished her career in the Office of Dietary Supplements at NIH.  She passed away in 2001 after a long battle with lung cancer. A tribute was published in AJCN:  View

Currently in the Division of Nutritional Sciences approximately 64% of enrolled students are female, this graduate scholarship will provide valuable financial assistance to a future female scientist. Furthermore, the Division of Nutritional Science is thrilled to announce an opportunity for those impacted by Mary Frances to show their appreciation. A donor that has chosen to remain anonymous will directly match any gift made to this scholarship up to a total of $25,000. This is an opportunity to make a huge impact in the Division of Nutritional Sciences and to ensure future generations of strong female scientists know the impact Mary Frances had on this landscape.

For more information or to make a gift please contact Matt Smith at 217-300-6113 or [email protected] or to make a secure gift online visit https://uif.uillinois.edu/give/ and in the “other” row at the bottom of the page enter Mary Frances Picciano Scholarship Fund – 11776398