Marilyn Asborno and Joanne DeCicco Memorial Endowment

Purpose:
The Fund is established to provide scholarships to students utilizing services in the University’s Access Center.

The Fund is established by the Ed & Ann DeCicco/DeCicco Family Revocable Trust in honor of sister, Joanne DeCicco, and cousin, Marilyn Asborno. Ed has committed years of service to supporting schools and programs for learning disabled children in and around the Denver community as a member of the Zarlengo Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Marilyn Asborno and Joanne DeCicco Memorial Endowment will provide financial assistance to Metropolitan State University of Denver students who have learning disabilities and strive to achieve academic success.

Marilyn was born in Denver on July 27, 1942, to parents Ersilia and Peter. She attended St. Catherine’s School and graduated from North High School in 1960. From there she attended both the University of Colorado and the University of Denver where she earned degrees in Journalism and Social Work. Following her education, she worked as a Social Worker and at the Post Office until health issues forced her from the workforce. She was an accomplished photographer and avid reader who enjoyed nothing better than an intellectual discussion and was passionate in her beliefs. Marilyn passed away on October 9, 2015.

Joanne was born in Denver on July 29, 1942, to parents Eleanor and John. Joanne was a bright and active child until 4 years of age when she began to have health problems. She was ultimately diagnosed with encephalitis which dehydrated the grey matter on one side of her brain. Unfortunately, she gradually lost her ability to walk and speak. Joanne never lost the sparkle in her eyes when with family and friends. She spent most of her life at Ridge Home in Wheat Ridge. Joanne passed on August 22, 1995.

Criteria:
The scholarship recipient shall:
• Be meeting the University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and cannot be in default or owe any refund/repayment of federal, state or institutional aid
• Have financial need as determined by FAFSA/CASFA and the University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Be registered with the University’s Access Center for Disability Accommodations and Adaptive Technology (student must upload a copy of the Access Center Accommodation letter.)
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
• Be a Colorado Resident
• Be registered for a minimum of 6 credits in the semester the scholarship is received

The scholarship is automatically renewable for up to 4 years if eligibility is maintained (contingent on available funds).
The scholarship is open to Grad students.