Local Retirement Leads to Landmark Scholarship

Ms. Margaret Puchbauer with the new scholarship

A special retirement celebration was held for Ms. Margaret Puchbauer on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Ms. Puchbauer provided 43 years of service to Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, Missouri. She was given a special luncheon which included an appearance by Jackson Mayor, Barbara Lohr, beautiful music by local church members, Christy Shinn and Beth St. John, and was presented with a very unique remembrance.

Ms. Puchbauer was honored for her dedication to Emanuel Church, Emanuel's Sunday School children, and members throughout the years. Because of this, the Emanuel United Church of Christ Board of Education has contributed $10,000 to Southeast Missouri State University's Endowed Scholarship fund in honor of Ms. Puchbauer. The university has matched the contribution to establish a $20,000 scholarship named the Emanuel United Church of Christ Margaret Puchbauer Scholarship.

This scholarship was originally established for children going to seminary school but it was underutilized so now it can be used for any member of Emanuel United Church of Christ planning on attending Southeast Missouri State University. This scholarship can be issued every year for future use. This is the only scholarship in the area coordinated between Southeast Missouri State University and a local church.

Emanuel United Church of Christ is proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. Ms. Puchbauer is a person of unbelievable faith and happiness. She will be missed as the secretary, but plans on being a part of the church for many years to come. She is looking forward to her retirement and seeing the new scholarship being put to use.