Quad Cities, IL/IA (October 31, 2024) - Visit Quad Cities, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the Quad Cities, is announcing the opening of applications for the 2025 Patty Viverito Emerging Leader Scholarship on Friday, November 1. Named in honor of Patty Viverito, former senior associate commissioner of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and Missouri Valley Football Conference commissioner, this scholarship is a tribute to her lasting impact on women’s athletics and her legacy of leadership.

Created in 2022, the Patty Viverito Emerging Leader Scholarship annually recognizes and supports two high school female student-athletes from Illinois or Iowa who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Each recipient is awarded a $1,000 scholarship toward her undergraduate education at an accredited university or community college.

“Patty Viverito’s impact on women’s athletics is unparalleled, and her dedication has paved the way for so many,” said Joan Kranovich, Vice President, Business Growth & Director, Sports QC, Visit Quad Cities. “She has been a mentor to me personally and an inspiration to countless women in athletics. Thanks to her vision and leadership, events like Hoops in the Heartland have had a profound impact on the Quad Cities region, and Visit Quad Cities is honored to be a part of this incredible event. Through this scholarship, Patty’s influence will continue to guide and inspire the next generation of female student-athletes.”

Eligibility and Application Details
The scholarship is open to high school senior female student-athletes from Illinois or Iowa with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants should exemplify leadership, community involvement, and commitment to athletics, as well as a shared dedication to Viverito’s values. Alongside the application form, candidates are required to submit:

• A 500-word essay answering: “Who do you feel is a good leader, and why?” and detailing personal leadership, community involvement, and sports experiences.
• Two letters of recommendation: one from a school administrator and another from a non-family member.

Applications are due by January 27, 2025.

Final selections will be made by a committee of Quad Cities female community leaders. 
For more information and to apply, visit https://sportsquadcities.com/get-involved/scholarship-award

About Patty Viverito
Patty Viverito has been a monumental figure in collegiate athletics since she was appointed the first commissioner of the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 1985. Viverito’s impressive career includes prominent roles on the NCAA Division I Council, the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee, and the Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards Executive Committee. She has received numerous awards, including induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the prestigious Mel Narol Medallion from the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO).