ACCESS Student Christine Stephens, Criminal Justice Major, Wins Memorial Foundation Scholarship Award

“The DeSales University ACCESS Program has been crucial in allowing me to continue my studies to pursue my dream of earning my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, while working full time and raising my children,” shared Christine Stephens, recipient of the 2018 Officer David M. Petzold Memorial Foundation Scholarship Award.

“I have been working towards my degree for many years, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the great faculty and staff at DeSales University. The professors truly care about the success of their students and have assisted me every step of my college education journey.”

Stephens is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, National Criminal Justice Honor Society, DeSales Lambda Eta Chapter, and is a Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She is currently employed as a security officer with the Allentown School District, and was formerly employed with the city of Allentown for 17 years.

“Upon graduation, I hope to obtain a position within the criminal justice field serving the public, and my DeSales University degree is vital in obtaining my career goals. Attending school full time, pursuing my goal and dream of having my degree is something I am extremely proud of; I am very honored and thankful to receive an award in memory of Officer David M. Petzold.”

A major criteria for this scholarship is to have a record of service to the community. Stephens’ commitment to community service has been recognized often, as she has letters and certificates of appreciation from Old Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association; Faith Church; Pa. State Dog Warden; Community Services for Children; and the community of Hogar Crea, Allentown, Pa. She has also obtained a “Worksite of the Year” award from the Lehigh County Juvenile Probation’s Community Service Program, and a “PA Waste Watcher Award for Recognition for Outstanding Achievement” on behalf of Allentown Recycling.

The Officer David M. Petzold Scholarship is awarded annually to a current ACCESS student who is a criminal justice major, and is in good academic standing. The recipient must also work in law enforcement and have a record of service to the community. The David M. Petzold Scholarship was established in memory of Officer David M. Petzold, who was killed in the line of duty on November 9, 2006. Officer Petzold was an alumnus of the DeSales University ACCESS criminal justice program.