Why a Voice Aerobics® Scholarship?

When I attended graduate school to obtain my Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I was already working full-time as an emergency room nurse. In order to accommodate my course schedule, I worked 10 hour shifts before it was fashionable. Although I didn’t get off work until 1:30 am, I was often in class that same morning at 8am.

Juggling work, bills, and school were the life of a working student. Looking back now, I wonder how I did it! But, it serves as testimony that when we are committed to a goal, anything is possible. Now I want to help a student achieve hers or his goals!

Why Support a Student?

Being invited to be a guest lecture for graduate students is one of my favorite experiences. I think there is nothing better for students than to meet a practicing clinician, who can educate by sharing stories about “real” patients that are punctuated with enthusiasm and commitment to our profession.

When I interact with students, whether in a classroom, in a clinic, or across a booth at ASHA, I can tell quickly who has the passion, and who believes, as I do, that there is nothing more important than helping another person retain or restore their ability to communicate.

What is My Commitment?

In 2008, when I formed my company, Voice Aerobics, LLC, I committed to giving 10% of profits from product sales to Parkinson’s research. Over the last three years, I have honored that commitment and expanded it to include various other organizations and causes I support.

Annually, beginning May 20th, 2012, a check for $500 is awarded to a graduate student in speech-language pathology. This annual commitment represents the faith I have in my own business to continue to prosper and in the students, who represent the future of a profession I love so much.

Instructions for Applying:

Any student enrolled in an ASHA accredited graduate speech-language program is eligible to apply. Applications for 2023 will be accepted from March 15, 2023 through  April 30, 2023. Click on the link below to complete the application form. Return your completed form by email as an attachment by the deadline of midnight April 30, 2023. The scholarship recipient is announced in May.

Important Note to Applicants:

Please observe the word count and type your responses! As a student, it is often very hard when writing reports or patient evaluations to write succinctly.  As a practicing clinician, I am faced with the same challenge when submitting a 50 word abstract as a part of a conference proposal.  Good luck – don’t over think your responses – and write from the heart!
Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP