Simpson College student earns national scholarship for nontraditional students

Simpson College continuing and graduate student Amber Corrieri earned a prestigious scholarship from Alpha Sigma Lambda, the Honor Society for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education. Corrieri is one of just 14 students in the nation to receive the competitive scholarship.

Alpha Sigma Lambda evaluated the applications of more than 100 students based on scholarship, leadership, the clarity and content of their personal statement, strength of recommendation and financial need. The $3,600 scholarship applies to the 2020-21 school year, when Corrieri is scheduled to complete her degree in business administration.

Corrieri is a mother of two with an advancing career in the non-profit sector and numerous community service engagements in her home of Ames, Iowa. She left college early to better serve her growing family 18 years ago but never lost sight of her goal of earning a college degree.

“I wanted to go back to school because I believe in the importance of following through, regardless of how long it takes, and wanted to model this example for my children, as they will soon be making decisions that will help chart the course for their own futures,” Corrieri said in the personal statement that accompanied her scholarship application. “I’ve always been honest with them about my college experience and they’ve seen first-hand the kind of success that I’ve had without a degree. However, I’m proud that I’ve had a unique opportunity to show them the importance of setting goals and the hard work required to reach those goals.”

Corrieri is the director of corporate compliance and communications at Mainstream Living, an organization that provides residential and community support services to adults with disabilities and mental illness. She is also active in her community, serving as president for the Iowa Alliance for Boys and Girls Clubs, chairing the Story County Housing Trust Fund and sitting on the Ames Education Foundation Board of Directors. She is also a two-term member of the Ames City Council and recently helped lead efforts to construct a Miracle League Field and inclusive playground in Ames.

Corrieri was recognized as one of the Ames Chamber of Commerce’s 4 Under 40 Award winners in 2011 and received the Iowa Jaycees Outstanding Young Iowan Award in 2015. She and her husband Damien have two children, Jordan (17) and Isabella (14).

About Alpha Sigma Lambda
As the premier nationally recognized honor society for adult learners with a 70-year established history in higher education, Alpha Sigma Lambda represents the top non-traditional students for more than 300 institutions across the United States.

For more information, contact: 
Andy English, Interim Director of Marketing and Strategic Communication
515-961-1547
andy.english@simpson.edu