Mary W. Lees Scholarship

Mary W. Lees was born December 30, 1926 in Howard, Kansas. She received the BA in sociology from the University of Kansas in 1949 and after being married and raising seven children, she enrolled at Iowa State University as a nontraditional student in 1971, receiving the MS degree in sociology in 1973. She became the undergraduate academic advisor in the Department of Sociology in 1973.

Mary was active in campus activities and in 1978 was named Outstanding Academic Advisor by the ISU Student Alumni Association and was given the ISU Excellence in Advising Award as well. In 1985 she was named Outstanding Advisor for the College of Sciences and Humanities; she received the ISU Alumni Distinguished Service Award, and the Office of Student Life recognized her for her contributions to the university community in the area of human relations.

Mary was also very involved in activities of the United Methodist Church at the local, district and conference levels, including committee work and serving as a part-time lay pastor for several years. Memberships included the American Sociological Association, the National Council on Family Relations, the National Organization of Women, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Iowa Civil Liberties Union, the Daughters of Sarah, Chapter CZ of PEO, and Phi Beta Kappa.

Mary Lees was a beloved student advisor and mentor until she died of cancer in June, 1986. Before her death, she negotiated the establishment of this scholarship in her name to assist nontraditional female students returning to college.