Judy Alterman Memorial Scholarship
About the Scholarship
I have been giving a scholarship in my dear sister Judy’s memory for the last 9 years. It has been a very special way to honor and to remember our beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Every year the scholarship event has been held either on, or near, her birthday. It makes it even more meaningful to have us all gathered to share in such a way as to present a scholarship to a deserving young lady who exemplifies the qualities that Judy possessed.
Judy was very much interested in making a difference, especially in the lives of children and those with special needs. She received her degree in music therapy and was focused on enhancing the lives of those who had their own unique challenges. therefore the Alterman Fund Scholarship is given to an applicant that is pursuing a degree/career in a field that focuses on these same ideals.
I want to thank NCJW for providing an opportunity each year to honor Judy.
2022 Scholarship Recipients – Adrien Kaplan and Liv Kuijper
Adrien Kaplan
My name is Adrien Kaplan (they/them), I’m from Boulder, CO, and I am a current student at Cornell College, double majoring in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and Religion with a focus in Judaic Studies. I’m the current co-president of my campus Hillel, and I’m pretty easy to find running around encouraging others to come to Shabbos dinners with us (you’ll get to bake your own challah!). I’ve also spent this past summer working in research and writing a piece about LGBTQ+, disabled, Jewish individuals and the place we occupy in the world. You can usually spot me engaging in protests, hanging out with my fraternity brothers, hunched over a Yiddish textbook (Duolingo only gets you so far), playing D&D, going way too in depth on the lore of the Cars movies, or blasting the Beastie Boys out my car window.
Liv Kuijper
My name is Liv Kuijper and I was born in New York City. When I was nine years old, we moved to Denver where I attended The Denver Waldorf School from 4th grade until graduation this year. Being one of very few Jewish kids at the school was a very different experience from what I was used to in New York City and I was concerned that I would not have opportunities to express my Jewish identity. Luckily, I was able to find a bustling Jewish community at Temple Emanual Denver where I went to Hebrew School, celebrated the holidays, and went to Shwayder Camp every summer. I was also very fortunate to be able to go on the Israel Study in the summer of 2021 which was an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. In September 2022 I will be a freshman at The University of Denver, where I plan to join the Hillel House and continue to take part in Denver’s warm and welcoming Jewish community.
2021 Scholarship Recipient- Caitlin Robbins
My name is Caitlin Robbins and I graduated from Cherry Creek High School in June of 2021. This fall, I will be attending the University of Washington in Seattle where I hope to study global health and pursue epidemiology. I enjoy competitive rock climbing and look forward to doing some outdoor bouldering in Washington. I have a passion for photography and started my own photography business in 2020 with a specialty in portraits. I have enjoyed being an active member of the Jewish community through my board positions in my BBYO chapter, volunteering and working with children at my synagogue, and participating in MCHY, my synagogue’s youth group. My BBG chapter was the first in the Rocky Mountain region to become a BBYO chapter in order to be more inclusive of non-binary members and individuals who part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I advocated along with other members of my chapter to build a home for all Jewish teens regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I hope to be just as involved in Hillel, Chabad, and other Jewish organizations on campus and continue to fight for issues I am passionate about.
2020 Scholarship Recipient – Lauren Buchman
I am Lauren Buchman. I am from Boulder, Colorado and I just graduated from Fairview High School. This fall I will be attending Boston University. I am majoring in applied human development on the youth development, justice, and advocacy track with a minor in special education. I look forward to a career which will allow me to advocate for underserved populations. I am also a tutor at Kumon and work at a local bagel shop. I am very passionate about fighting for social justice and in my free time I love to spend time with my friends, hike, and play with my dog. I am honored to represent the Colorado Section of the NCJW in Boston and both uphold and embody the values of NCJW. I will be continuing my involvement in the Jewish Community at the Boston University Hillel.