HASS to host benefit luncheon for Paxman Scholarship

An e-mail went out to employees today from Bill Cobb, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences at UVSC, concerning a benefit luncheon for the Shirley and Monroe Paxman Scholarship for Humanitarian Service.

If you have ever attended any kind of function at the college, chances are you have seen the Paxman's (pictured here). Their support of the college is legendary.

Here is the what Dean Cobb had to say:

The School of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences will honor local humanitarians Shirley & Monroe Paxman at a benefit lunch at the Outback Steakhouse in Orem, on Wednesday, July 18th, at 11:00 a.m. All proceeds from the luncheon will go to the newly established Shirley & Monroe Paxman Scholarship for Humanitarian Service.

Life-long residents of Provo, Shirley and Monroe had their first date 72 years ago – a midnight mass at St. Francis. When asked why a young Mormon couple had their first date to a midnight mass, Monroe responds, “It was the cheapest date I could find.” Monroe is a retired 4th District Juvenile Court Judge in Utah. Shirley is a retired nurse and nursing instructor at both UVSC and BYU and former owner/curator of the McCurdy Doll Museum in Provo. They are the parents of seven children.

When Shirley heard about President Sederburg’s Community of Engaged Learners, she said, “I like that phrase. That is what we try to do.” Among their many humanitarian projects through the years are the non-denominational chapel at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, the preservation & restoration of Academy Square in Provo that is now the Provo City Library, the recent attempt to save the historic St. Francis Catholic church in Provo and the Brockbank Foundation Education Fund, which provides for the education of young women in South Africa. At last count, 71 women have received scholarships through the fund, established by Shirley and her sisters.

The Paxmans’ association with UVSC began during the administration of Wilson Sorensen. Now in their late 80s, they haven’t slowed down a bit. It is difficult to attend a lecture, concert or fundraiser at UVSC and not see the Paxmans there. They are among our greatest advocates. The scholarship established in their names will go to a student who exemplifies the humanitarian service given by the Paxmans.

For tickets to Outback Benefit Lunch honoring Monroe & Shirley Paxman, please contact my office, LA209, ext. 7435 or Campus Connection. Tickets are $20 per person. If you have any questions, please contact myself or Barbara Hammond, my assistant dean.

Thank you,

William W. Cobb, Jr.

Dean, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences