Jennifer Westpfahl
For the first time, a scholarship has been established for women studying finance at the University of Central Arkansas.
The Jennifer J. Westpfahl Women in Finance Scholarship was founded by UCA College of Business alumna Jennifer J. Westpfahl, who contributed a $15,000 gift to establish the award during UCA’s Day of Giving in March.
A scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded to two female students who have a declared major of finance. Recipients must be at least a junior and have a 3.0 GPA.
“I am pleased that this valuable scholarship has been established by one of our successful alumni. This support will assist many of our female students in pursuing their dreams in the finance field, just as Jennifer Westpfahl has. It makes the College of Business proud to see our alumni not only excel in their professional and personal lives but also give back to future graduates,” said Michael Hargis, interim provost and executive vice president.
Westpfahl earned a degree in finance from UCA in 1999 and afterward pursued a career on Wall Street. She is now the executive director, head of field services at Morgan Stanley in Purchase, New York. Prior to her current role, Westpfahl served the company as head of Financial Advisor Associate talent management, where she recruited and developed the next generation of advisors in the financial services industry. She used that role to encourage others, specifically women, to pursue finance careers.
“There were not many opportunities to work in the financial services industry when I began my career,” Westpfahl said. “That has changed considerably, but there is still work to be done.”
The scholarship will be housed within the UCA Foundation Inc. Applications open in fall 2019.
“I want to bring to the forefront the importance of chasing your dreams and hard work. I hope this provides young women who want to work in the financial industry the opportunity to continue their coursework and pursue their dreams,” Westpfahl said. “Additionally, I am aiming to inspire other alumni to give back and support the College of Business and its students. UCA made a significant impact on my life, both personally and professionally, and I am grateful to have the capability to give back now. I challenge other UCA alumni to think about doing the same thing.”
