Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

ISLH FOUNDATION

ISLH Foundation Purpose

The Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation was established in 1997 beginning with the contribution of a single coin found on the ballroom floor by Myna Stephens at the annual ISHA Convention. Since that time, generous contributions have established funds for scholarships, lectureships, and awards. Donations are accepted at any time of year, and a focused campaign is held during Better Hearing and Speech Month every May. The Foundation uses your tax-deductible contributions to award six yearly scholarships to future speech-language pathologists and audiologists attending one of the academic programs in the state of Iowa, honor leaders in the professions, support the development and implementation of innovative projects and support two lectureships at the annual convention.

Make a Donation

You can now make a donation to the Foundation using the online form. Click the button to be redirected to the online donation form. If you prefer, you can still also donate by check. Simply download the contribution form, complete, and send with your donation. Download Contribution Form .

Donate Online!

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Thank you to our 2023 Foundation donors!

Rick & Cheri Mahler

Connie Hill

Kathy Baker

Jacqueline Bryant

Bob Baldes

Rita Pray

Penny Nelson

Connie Scherber

Chuck Felling

Paulette Wood

Nick Salmon

Mary Colleen Picek

Nancy Almasi

Ruth Bentler

Sharlene Peckney

Karen Christensen

Sondra Rierson

Sandy Bennett

Julia Bebensee

Penelope Hall

Bruce Ritchie

Lauren Nelson

Maureen McGarry

David Krupke

Elisa Green

Paul Spong

Diana Romero Wehr

Cynthia Youhas

Jeannette Fredericks-Weber

Joan Martilla

Cheryl Schipull

Kerri Schwemm

Barbara Nebel

Scholarship Information

ISLH Foundation University Scholarships:

The Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association, through the ISLHA Foundation, offers four annual scholarship awards (increased to $1500 each in 2023) to exemplary students in speech-language pathology or audiology who have been nominated by faculty at their respective universities. A selection committee reviews the nominations and awards the scholarships based on academic and clinical performance at the forefront of their considerations each fall at the annual ISHA Convention.

Niel VerHoef Memorial Scholarship:

The purpose of this annual award (increased to $1500 in 2019) is to provide scholarship funds to exemplary students majoring in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology in a university or college in Iowa. Preference is given to candidates who are residents of Iowa and who have demonstrated a commitment to the professions through extracurricular activities such as volunteer work, community service, special projects, or professional presentations.

Niel VerHoef Scholarship

Nancy Ritchie Memorial Scholarship:

The Nancy Ritchie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 in memory of Nancy Ritchie through the generous contributions of her husband, Bruce Ritchie, and colleagues, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, friends, and family. In 2023, the scholarship was increased to $2500 and is awarded annually to two students majoring in communication disorders at a university in Iowa. Extracurricular activities including volunteering in various community settings will weigh heavily in the decision process.

Nancy Ritchie Memorial Scholarship

Past Scholarship Recipients

ISLH Foundation Awards

Bingham Innovation Award

The mission of the Bingham Innovation Award is to stimulate speech-language pathologists’ and audiologists’ evaluation of current practices and encourage the design of new replicable approaches to clinical services. Application for the award is due by September 1 and the award is granted at the October ISHA convention.

This monetary award of up to $500 has been made possible by an initial donation to the Foundation from Dale and Celia Bingham and continued donations from ISHA Foundation supporters. Before his death in the fall of 2011, Dale was a retired Iowa speech-language pathologist who once served as the State Consultant. Dale and Celia wished to recognize school-based speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

This can be awarded to an individual or a group. It is similar to a grant, so self-nominations are encouraged. Following are some recent projects that have received funding through the Bingham Innovation Award:

Purchase supplies for a musical theater after-school program for special needs students.
Provide printing, postage, and supplies for a stuttering support group.

Call for Bingham Innovation Award Applications

Past Recipients of the Bingham Award

2022 - Whitney Kramer, SLP; Meghan Wright, SLP; Tom Wright, SLP; and Cassie Vasquez, SLP - Grant Wood AEA

2021 - Nonalee Gardner

2020 - Megan Farrell, SLP; Sarah Chaney, SLP; Melissa Sadler, SLP; Diane John, SLP and Emily Borrison, SLP - Great Prairie AEA

2018 - Mia Vannoy, SLP, Heartland AEA

2017 - Kerri Schwemm, SLP, Heartland AEA

2016 - Kathy Baker, SLP, and Barb Koth, SLP, Meskwaki Settlement School

2012 - AEA 267 SLPs

2010 - Jennifer Dave, SLP, AEA 267

2009 - Joan Marttila, AuD, and Laura Cooley, AuD, AEA 9

2008 - Anne Magnuson, SLP and Deb Price, SLP, AEA 267

2007 - Rhonda Balch, SLP, Heartland AEA

Niel VerHoef Award
The Niel VerHoef Memorial Award is a non-monetary award made periodically to recognize members of the Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association who have made significant contributions to the Iowa Speech-Language Hearing Association, the professions of speech-language pathology and/or audiology, or to individuals with communication disabilities.

Niel VerHoef Award

Past Recipients of the VerHoef Award

2020 - David Krupke

2014 - Nick Salmon
2013 - Deb Moon Davis

2008 - Ken Barker, Ron Huddleston

2007 - Charlie Anderson, Myrna Stephens

2004 - Penny Nelson

2003 - Linda Jordan

2000 - Elaine Szymoniak

Lectureships

The Nancy Ritchie Memorial Lectureship assists in sponsoring an annual lectureship at the ISHA convention, preferably, but not limited to the area of dysphagia or neurological disorders. The Nancy Ritchie Memorial Fund was established by Bruce Ritchie, Nancy husband, and long time member of ISHA. Nancy received the many benefits from professionals in the field of speech-language pathology for needs related to MS until her death at age 57 in 2006.

The Susan McCaw Lectureship was established by her family in 2002 after her unexpected death. Susan was an excellent SLP and an asset to our profession. Funds from this account are used to help offset the cost of speakers in the schools/pediatrics track at the annual ISHA convention.