The first scholarship from a new fund created by the Wichita Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management has been awarded to Laura Gerber, a Wichita State University senior majoring in human resources and management. It is a $1,000 scholarship.

The Wichita Chapter SHRM is the largest human resource organization in the state of Kansas.

Gerber, the 2010 recipient, was selected from among applicants from WSU and Friends University. She is a member of the Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, which supports the WSU Bands through volunteer work on campus and within the community. She is also a founding member of Gamma Epsilon Women’s Organization, which volunteers in support of community organizations.

Gerber has been a member of the WSU Student Chapter SHRM for the past two years and will assume the chapter presidency in the fall. She has completed two internships during her time at WSU, where she has been immersed in a variety of human resource activities.

The Wichita Chapter SHRM Scholarship Fund, a Kansas not-for-profit corporation since 2009, is pursuing IRS 501(c) 3 status. The initial trustee meeting was held in February 2010. Trustees include current Wichita Chapter SHRM board members as well as staff representatives from Friends University, Newman University and Wichita State University.