The Mary Jo Lake Memorial Fellowship
in Optical Sciences

During her lifetime, Mary Jo had the opportunity to travel to many countries including remote areas of Africa, Malaysia, and Finland.

Mary Jo was the mother of two daughters who are both active in the field of fine arts.  Her older daughter, Nancy Benson, is a trustee of the Denver Art Museum and spent a number of years as a volunteer assistant to the museum in various activities.  Her younger daughter, Mary Lake Thompson, and her husband, Richard Thompson, have established a very successful company called Mary Lake Thompson, Ltd.  The company produces and markets various gift items throughout the United States and internationally.  The giftware is based on Mary's artistic designs.  Mary Jo Lake did a great deal to encourage the talents and interests of both of her daughters.

Before her death, Mary Jo Lake and her husband, James Lake, established a memorial fellowship for female students in the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences.  In addition to gifts to the University of Arizona, Mary Jo and her husband also established a number of foundation programs for education at the Colorado School of Mines.

The UA's Mary Jo Lake Memorial Fellowship in Optical Sciences was first awarded during the 2000-2001 academic year.  Each spring, it is offered as a recruitment incentive to an outstanding female applicant.

Scholarship Recipients