(PHOENIX, Ariz., March 15, 2004) – Congratulations to Phoenix College students Toni Zimmer and Suzan Rhoades, the first ever recipients of the Eileen Post-Chris Kobus Diversity Scholarship. The annual $750 scholarship was established in 2003 by Phoenix College alumna, Eileen Post and her partner, Chris Kobus, exclusively for members of the Rainbow Spectrum Club, formerly known as P.A.L.S. (People of Alternative Lifestyles) at Phoenix College.

"When I was a student at Phoenix College, the P.A.L.S. Club had yet to be established," said Post. "Gay and lesbian students really didn’t have anywhere to go for support until the club was established. Now, I hope that this scholarship will extend that support."

As a Betty Elsner scholarship recipient, Eileen Post saw first hand the value of receiving scholarships and was committed to providing others with the same opportunity. Post received an AA from Phoenix College in 1987 and then returned in the 90’s to pursue a degree in legal assisting. She was an active student while on campus as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was also selected as a member of WHO’s WHO AMONG STUDENTS® IN AMERICAN JUNIOR COLLEGES. She went on to study at Arizona State University (ASU) and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, graduating cum laude.

"Chris and Eileen are providing money for education to people who are often discriminated against," said recipient, Toni Zimmer. "This scholarship has helped me get one step closer to my educational goal and has given me a bit more faith in people out there."

Zimmer chose to attend Phoenix College because she heard it was a friendly and diverse campus with small classes and great instruction. Currently, she is completing core courses with the goal of transferring to a four-year university to earn a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree. Ultimately, she hopes to get a Master’s in Social Work and a certificate in counseling.

Receiving this scholarship was a great financial help for Zimmer. She and her partner have been in a relationship for six years, both women are attending college and raising a 9-year-old daughter together. They are a busy household, trying to make ends meet while they work towards their educational goals.

Suzan Rhoades was also thankful for the financial help this scholarship has given her. Rhodes is a full-time student and part-time tutor at Phoenix College. She recently moved out on her own and is trying to make ends meet by herself. Rhoades plans to attend Phoenix College for two years, transfer to a four-year university and finally go to graduate school to earn a master’s degree, ultimately having a career as a teacher.

"I feel this type of scholarship is long since overdue on any campus," said Rhoades. "When people talk about diversity, they think of ethnicity. The GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) community is rarely considered a part of what makes humanity diverse. That’s why I love this scholarship. It shines light on the GLBT community and recognizes that PC would not be as diverse without us!"

Both women are honored to be the first recipients of this scholarship. For Zimmer, the Eileen Post-Chris Kobus Diversity Scholarship was the first scholarship she ever applied for and received. Rhoades received a second scholarship along with the diversity scholarship.

"I hope this scholarship continues because money in this form is a blessing," said Zimmer. "The more people see minority groups of any kind succeed, the less they tend to devalue them. I feel that celebrating and supporting diversity is the best thing we can do."

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