Scholarship

The Southbury Land Trust awards a $1,000 scholarship each year to a graduating senior who will pursue conservation and environmental studies in college. Southbury residents attending Pomperaug High School or Nonnewaug High School are eligible to apply, and may do so by contacting their high school guidance counselors. 

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Now the story behind the scholarship and the two people behind its creation.

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The story begins with Gerald (Gerry) Ivers, who moved to Southbury after a long teaching career in Westchester County, NY, following his service as a naval officer in WW II. Gerry loved the largely undeveloped nature of Southbury and joined the Southbury Land Trust board in the early 1980s. Soon after he joined, most days Gerry would be out on the land trust properties, scouting, clearing and blazing trails. Many of the trails you hike today, were initially cleared by Gerry.  

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The story continues with Justine Sedergren, who served as an Army nurse in the Pacific during the war, then raised two girls, and after her girls were grown, Justine became a stock broker. When both Justine's husband and Gerry's wife passed away, Gerry and Justine became good friends, sharing a love of the great outdoors.

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When Gerry passed away in 2005 at age 95, Justine suggested that the land trust create a scholarship in his name. That is how the Ivers Scholarship began. Justine made the initial donation herself, and continued to do so for many years thereafter. 

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Justine passed away September 2019 at age 96. To honor her contributions over so many years, the Southbury Land Trust board voted to add Justine's name to the award. Going foreword, the gift is now known as the Ivers/Sedergren Scholarship.

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If you have questions regarding the Ivers/Sedergren Scholarship, please contact the land trust office.

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