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Gilbert Caregiver Awarded Full Scholarship to University of Maryland Global Campus

Sharon Grassi Interrupted her Life and Education to Care for Her Son, a Former Army Medic Who Was Wounded in Tours of Iraq and Afghanistan

by Bob Ludwig

Adelphi, MD (08/27/2025) — In 2014, at age 52, Gilbert, Arizona, resident Sharon Grassi returned to college to pursue a bachelor's degree that would advance her career in technical communications. Not long after, however, she found herself in the role of full-time caregiver and advocate for her son, former Army Medic and Infantry Sergeant Derek Ryan Tope, whose tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan left him with spine and brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other health challenges.

Today, Grassi is one of seven caregivers from around the country that were awarded a Pillars of Strength Scholarship from University of Maryland Global Campus. She plans to use her Pillars of Strength scholarship to complete a graduate degree in strategic communications.

The full tuition and fees scholarships provide assistance for an often-overlooked group: caregivers who may put their own careers on hold to devote years to their wounded, ill or injured relatives. Exempt from most federal education benefits, these caregivers often become their families' main income earners.

"We are humbled by the strength and sacrifice of this year's Pillars of Strength scholarship recipients and inspired, as always, by their stories of resilience, devotion, and quiet courage," said UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD. "These extraordinary caregivers remind us of what it means to serve, and I know I speak for everyone at UMGC when I say that we are honored to support them as they pursue their educational goals and continue to uplift their families and communities."

With this year's class, UMGC has awarded 90 scholarships since the Pillars of Strength program was launched in 2013. The scholarships cover full tuition for as long as a recipient needs to complete a degree program. Already 40 scholars have earned degrees.

"Supporting the caregivers of our nation's wounded and fallen heroes is not just an act of gratitude-it's a commitment to their future. By supporting scholarships, The Kahlert Foundation honors the sacrifices made at home by empowering caregivers to pursue their own dreams, build meaningful careers, and continue shaping strong, resilient communities," said Ellen Finnerty Myers, vice president and executive director of the Maryland-based family foundation.

Pillars of Strength recipients navigate sleepless nights, the challenges of veterans who may be in constant pain, endless medical appointments and even the surgeries of their family members. They do this while also juggling their family's needs, the household finances and the intricacies of navigating VA support services. Many of the people they care for suffer from panic attacks brought on by PTSD and depression.

Pillars of Strength recipients have said that in addition to the financial support provided by the scholarships, they are touched to know that their contributions as caregivers are recognized and grateful for a renewed opportunity to pursue their own dreams.

"On behalf of the Blewitt family, we extend our congratulations and express our highest praise to this year's outstanding and deserving recipients," said Carrie Blewitt, daughter of Richard Blewitt, founder of the Blewitt Foundation, the organization that launched the scholarship program with UMGC in 2013. "The caregivers give so much of themselves, and with these scholarships and assistance it was always the goal to provide them with an opportunity to live out their own dreams. We are seeing these dreams become real with the past recipients."

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.

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Sharon Grassi with her family.

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