PSU honors Astrid Schlaps with new scholarship fund

The recent death of retired faculty member Astrid Schlaps has spurred her close friends and family to start a scholarship fund in her name.

“The Astrid Schlaps Scholarship Fund was established to provide a scholarship for a Masters of Social Work [MSW] student intending to work in the area of abuse and trauma, an area that Astrid had a very strong commitment to,” said Crystal Froembling, executive office coordinator for the School of Social Work.

Schlaps was an active faculty member of Portland State’s School of Social Work and began teaching masters in social work graduate courses in 1993. Within six years, she became a full-time faculty member. Schlaps’ focuses were mainly in social work practice and working with students in field placements. She also created an innovative course that prepared many MSW students to work with adults, children and families affected by abuse and trauma. She retired from teaching in 2007.

“Students in the School of Social Work will be notified when applications become available through listserves, bulletin boards and web announcements,” Froembling said.

The scholarship fund will not only assist MSW students, but will also continue to honor Schlaps’ hard work, creativity and passion in her field, Froembling said.

The scholarship fund is still in its early stages and will be available to MSW students in the next academic year. ?