Ginny Frankenthaler Memorial Scholarship

Ginny Frankenthaler's Biography

Virginia Boyd Frankenthaler was born December 11, 1926, in Arab, Alabama, attended public school in Huntsville, and graduated from S. R. Butler High School. Her family then moved to Auburn where Ginny attended THE University. An avid life-long football fan who believed that Auburn University could do no wrong, she graduated with a B.S. degree in social work. She met Bud Frankenthaler in August 1956, and they were married in November at the Redstone Arsenal Post Chapel. They lived in Huntsville where Ginny continued her career as a social worker. Bud received a commission as a Second Lieutenant. They went to Germany where Bud served as a Company Commander and Ginny did volunteer adoption social work for the International Social Services. While in Mannheim, Germany, Ginny gave birth to Debbie Lee Frankenthaler in 1958 and Stanley Edward Frankenthaler, III in 1960. They returned to the United States at the end of 1960 and resided on Long Island where Ginny renewed her career as a social worker. When Bud had a career change and the family moved to New Jersey in 1964, Ginny worked in the private sector doing research regarding single mothers who raise their children while residing in a low-income housing project.

In 1967, the Frankenthaler family was transferred by McGraw-Hill Publishing Company to St. Louis County, Missouri where Ginny decided it was time to be a full-time mother. When, in 1969, they were transferred to New York City, she continued her full-time career as a mother. In 1976, the family decided to move to Savannah, Georgia, and start a family-run recreational campground, which they sold in 1985. They later opened a restaurant in Hinesville, Georgia. At this time, Ginny was also doing volunteer work with the humane society. Ginny's daughter, Debbie, became a full-time mother and homeschooled her two daughters. She now teaches special education in the public school system. Ginny's son, Stan, graduated from the University of Georgia and then was valedictorian of his class at the Culinary Institute of America. He went on to own a gourmet restaurant and is now an Executive Chef for a large restaurant holding company.

Ginny died June 14, 1998. At her well-attended funeral, it was noted numerous times that Ginny's life demonstrated that she loved all people and all animals. The humane society named its Spay/Neuter Clinic after her. A voracious reader, Ginny commented many times that "our free library system is a true measure of our freedom of opportunity, as it gives everyone an unrestricted path to learning."

The Ginny Frankenthaler Memorial Scholarship in Library Science is made possible through the generosity of of Bud Frankenthaler, husband of Ginny Frankenthaler. Mrs. Frankenthaler believed that our free library system is the basis for a good life and that the greatest gifts a human being can have are good memories and education, both of which are supplied free by our public library system.

The purpose of the scholarship is to recruit beginning professional librarians who possess potential for leadership and commitment to service in libraries in the Southeastern United States*. The scholarship provides financial assistance towards completion of the graduate degree in library science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association.

Criteria and Guidelines

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded every two years. The recipient of the scholarship will be notified in June, with funding to begin with the fall school term.

To apply for the scholarship, submit the following to gfrankenthaler@selaonline.org and include your last name in the subject line of all correspondences:

• Official application form (Word file) OR Official application form (PDF)
• Letter (OR email) of acceptance from a library school accredited by the American Library Association
• Three letters of recommendation emailed directly from the references
• Official transcripts of all academic work sent electronically from each institution of higher education

The recipient of the scholarship must:

• Be completing the senior year of an accredited college or university or be a graduate of such an institution
• Be accepted as a student in a degree program accredited by the American Library Association
• Indicate the intention to complete degree requirements within three years. If the degree is not completed in this length of time, the money awarded must be returned with interest.
• Maintain a B grade point average throughout the program and submit grade reports at the end of each term
• Agree to work for one year following graduation from library school in a school, public or academic library in the southeastern United States. If, after graduation, the recipient does not work for one year in a school, public or academic library in the Southeastern United States, the recipient must pay back the amount of the scholarship, including interest. Repayment must be made within a two year period.

This scholarship is awarded every even year. Selection will be based on the application and supporting documents. Factors that will be considered in making the award include academic excellence, potential for leadership, commitment to library service, and financial need. Other considerations being equal, residents of Liberty County, Georgia, or Southeastern Georgia will be given preference. Mrs. Frankenthaler was a native of Liberty County, Georgia.

Nomination Form

Deadline for submission of nomination: May 1, 2024