Mrs. Bettye T. Dawson Silent Dreamer Memorial Scholarship

By the time the late Bettye Dawson reached college, she was a married mother of five children. In 1958, Mrs. Dawson was experiencing firsthand the challenges of not only attending but also balancing higher education with caring for her family. However, she was determined to pursue a better life for herself and her children and became a proud member of the first graduation class of Roosevelt Junior College, which would later merge with Palm Beach State. 

Honoring Mrs. Dawson’s inspirational legacy, her family has established the Mrs. Bettye T. Dawson Silent Dreamer Memorial Scholarship. Supporting minority women striving to complete their college education, this scholarship fulfills Mrs. Dawson’s wish to give back to students like her and the College that put her and her family on a path to individual and generational success. 

For many years, Bettye Dawson held fast to a “silent dream” of attending college, stating, “For me going to college was a dream come true because I thought I'd never be able to.” The Bettye T. Dawson Silent Dreamer Memorial Scholarship is helping students today, turning their dreams into reality.

On behalf of Mrs. Dawson, her family and the students who benefit from your generosity, thank you.