“We wanted to be able to help students in Geauga County,” said Cathy Peters, owner of PuroClean of the Western Reserve with husband Phil. The Peters’ recently started a book scholarship for students attending Kent State University Geauga in Burton and Twinsburg Academic Center. “We want to assist in connecting students to our local businesses,” said Cathy, “I also want to let other businesses know they can do it too, help students, by starting scholarships.”
In her previous career, Cathy served as the Business Officer at the Geauga Campus. Her role included both financial aid and overseeing the bookstore. Working at Kent spring boarded her to earning her MBA. “I started classes part-time, one a semester or so, and then full-time to finish in 2003.”
Cathy recalled students coming into the bookstore with coins to buy the books they needed for classes, so starting the PuroClean Book Scholarship was the perfect fit. “Philanthropy has always been a big part of what we do,” she said. She and Phil coordinate a golf outing, support Habitat for Humanity, the Chamber, Leadership Geauga, and more. Cathy has served on the board of the Chardon Chamber of Commerce for the last six years. “It is about connecting the business community to the rising workforce, and this scholarship is just another way to connect.”
Students will be able to apply for the scholarship in the Spring 2022 semester. Details regarding the application can be found online.