Jane Culp Social Work Scholarship

At age 50, Jane enrolled at Goshen College for a refresher course entitled “Social Concerns” under the professorship of Dr. Ernest Miller, former president of the college. Jane had a BA degree from the University of Michigan. It was Dr. Miller who encouraged Jane to either head-up the Aging Council in Elkhart County or seek employment with the Elkhart County Department of Public Welfare.

Jane preferred the latter and was accepted to work out of all three offices in the county – Elkhart, Goshen and Nappanee. After passing her state examination giving her RSW (Registered Social Work) status, she worked in the areas of OAA (Old-Age Assistance), ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) and CW (Child Welfare) in the order given.

Ultimately Jane resigned to care for her elderly mother with whom she lived and to accept the position of founder-Director of The Window downtown Goshen, a volunteer agency sponsored by the United Church Women of Goshen. Jane stayed with this salaried job until she felt it well-established and then turned to taking full care of her mother.

Jane’s volunteer work has included 25 years with the Red Cross serving in several capacities – social worker during times of emergency and disaster, gray lady in both the hospital and convalescent homes and course instructor of both children and adults.

Jane Culp died June 1, 2000 in Goshen, Indiana. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and served on the boards of the Elkhart Symphony Society, Goshen Literacy Council, Goshen College Concert Series and YWCA of Elkhart and Goshen.