Grant from Maritz Supports Webster University's Exemplary Student Literacy Corps

ST. LOUIS, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Maritz, a St. Louis-based company that assists many of the world's largest corporations in meeting their most important business goals, has awarded a $25,000 grant to Webster University's Student Literacy Corps. The grant will provide stipends for student tutors during the 2011-2012 academic year.  

"The Maritz grant will empower this year's student tutors to work with struggling readers to build the skills they need to unlock their potential and participate actively in the world around them," said Dr. Elizabeth Stroble, president of Webster University. "I am extremely grateful to Maritz for their partnership with the University to improve the quality of life and learning opportunities for our children."

The Student Literacy Corps began as a service-learning project within the Webster University School of Education in 1990.  The program prepares University students to tutor struggling readers in the community, including grade-school children, adolescents and adults.  Student Literacy Corps tutors work with aspiring learners to help prepare them for success in school and the workplace.  

In recent years, the program has grown to provide between 30 and 45 student tutors each semester, reaching approximately 900 struggling readers annually in more than 20 schools and organizations throughout the region.

"Maritz is a great friend of the University," said Faith Maddy, vice president for Alumni and Development Programs. "This is an extremely generous gift and we are thankful for the support and recognition of our quality student tutors."

"Maritz is a world leader in understanding, enabling and motivating people so their full human potential is discovered, developed and energized," said Dr. Brenda Fyfe, dean of the Webster University School of Education. "This grant from Maritz will end the cycle of illiteracy for hundreds of members of our shared community.  Sometimes, a helping hand can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. We are extremely grateful for their generous support."

"At Maritz, we are dedicated to empowering people to reach their full potential and ensuring bright futures for generations to come," said Debbie Schirmer, community affairs manager at Maritz. "Our philanthropic efforts focus on education as a way to unlock that potential and have an impact in the communities in which we live and work.  We feel that collaborative efforts are important in helping us achieve our philanthropic mission and actively seek out non-profits with similar views, so what better way to demonstrate our commitment than through Webster University's Student Literacy Corps … together, we're making a difference."

About Maritz

Leading with insights from their in-house research and experience, Maritz helps their clients understand, enable and motivate employees, customers and partners. With nearly 3,300 people in 4 countries, Maritz brings a full force of capabilities to each of their client's challenges, including:

• Marketing research
• Sales incentives
• Learning and coaching
• Rewards and recognition
• Meetings, events and incentive travel 
• Loyalty marketing

One of Forbes' "500 Largest Privately Held Companies," Maritz is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with key offices in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Germany. The company's diverse client roster includes 28 of the 50 largest companies in the world.

About Webster University

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. Since opening its first overseas campus in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education and has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 500 colleges and universities in the U.S. The University's international presence now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

SOURCE Webster University -- Saint Louis Campus