A doctoral student in history at the University of Illinois at Chicago is among 30 LGBT students across the country to be named 2006 Point Foundation Scholars.
Catherine Batza will receive the foundation's competitive multi-year scholarship for leadership, scholastic achievement, involvement in the LGBT community and financial need. Besides financial support, the program provides mentoring and leadership training. Recipients are expected to develop and conduct a community service project related to their area of study.
Batza is researching the connections between public health and gay liberation in the 1970s. She is a two-year member of the UIC Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. In addition, she volunteers and conducts archival research for Gerber-Hart Library.