Elin Danien, who was 68 when she completed her doctoral dissertation on Mayan polychrome pottery in 1998 at Penn, had a vision when founding Bread Upon the Waters -- to allow her peers in the College of General Studies to complete their college educations without the constant burden of financial worries.
After working in Penn's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for 11 years, Danien enrolled in CGS as a part-time student. In her classes, Danien met other post-college-age, part-time female students and realized the need for a scholarship to help such women complete their studies.
Recipients of the scholarship are funded for up to six classes per year at $1,500 per class.
In 1986, Danien invited her friends to sit on an advisory board for an organization that would provide part-time female students over 30 with financial assistance toward their education.
Danien's friend Caroll Anne Shepard -- who was the University Museum's development officer at the time -- suggested the name Bread Upon the Waters.
"I wanted a name that would basically say what it was. These women become role models for others and contribute to the scholarship. It is, in a sense, like casting bread upon the waters and in many days having it come back," Danien said, referencing a verse in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes.
Danien has many stories about the determination of the scholars. She cited the case of one woman who took 13 years to complete her degree, yet never missed a lecture.
Scholarship recipient Lucia DiNapoli named Bread Upon the Waters as one of the reasons for her success after returning to school. In addition to taking classes to complete a double major in communication and environmental science, DiNapoli, a wife and mother of two young children, works part-time as an assistant to an attorney in Philadelphia.
"It's a huge triumph to complete college. When you're married, have children and [get] older, it's even more a challenge. If there is one thing less that you have to worry about, you can so much more dedicate yourself to your studies," DiNapoli said.
Director of CGS Kristine Billmyer said that the program "grew out of Elin's love of learning, of Penn and of the CGS. She wanted to share her good fortune with others."
In the 19 years that Bread Upon the Waters has been in existence, it has evolved dramatically. Since the first "Bread Winner" enrolled in 1987, 53 women have graduated with the help of the organization, 28 of them with honors and the rest having maintained at least a B average.
The women involved in the program come from diverse backgrounds; past scholarships have been awarded to a Philadelphia police officer, a cryptologist and a flight attendant.
Throughout the years, Bread Upon the Waters has grown from a small organization endowed with merely $1,000 to one that has managed to enlist considerable financial support from various organizations and individuals, including former scholarship recipients.
This fall, 30 women will enroll in CGS as Bread Winners. Danien is in the process of organizing a 20th-anniversary celebration for the organization, featuring "women who have accomplished things in different fields, women who are innovators," she said.
Karen Weidel, assistant dean of CGS, noted the tenacity and determination of the students.
"The women are so anxious to come to Penn; it's really a dream of theirs to continue their learning. For them, it's not just about getting a credential, but to experience the learning. They are always so appreciative to talk about the learning and things that they're involved in around the campus," Weidel said.
"Once you get hooked on education, you keep going. At least 10 women have gone on to graduate school," Danien said.
