THE BETTY von RUTENBERG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

							    THE BETTY von RUTENBERG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
             A NON-ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR FEMALE STUDENTS
                                 APPLICATION FORM

Established by TEMPO Madison, this scholarship honors the spirit of Betty von Rutenberg,
a highly valued and much loved member.

Scholarship Criteria
The Betty von Rutenberg Memorial Scholarship is open to Dane County female high school
students. The recipient will be a young woman of strong character, initiative, leadership and
compassion, who shares Betty’s steadfast commitment to community and dedication to
others. She must be qualified for admission with plans to attend an accredited college, trade
or technical school. If awarded a full scholarship after application, the scholarship will be
awarded to the runner-up.
About TEMPO
Tempo is an organization of executive and leadership women in business, public service,
academia and the arts. Betty joined Tempo Madison in 1989. The organization had been
founded eight years earlier, at a time when most women in the area, regardless of talent,
competence or position, were kept outside their city's power structure - outside, looking in.
In 1981, a few enterprising Madison women decided to pattern a group after a Milwaukee
organization (called Tempo) designed to support, empower and mentor women leaders; an
organization that could help break down barriers and integrate women executives into the
fiber of their city. Today Tempo Madison has achieved those goals while growing to more
than 250 members.

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer all questions in this application. Failure to provide
complete answers or follow instructions may result in disqualification. TYPE your answers.

Name:

Address:


Phone:                                     Email:

High School:



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Who should we contact at your high school if we have questions or need
clarification: NAME, EMAIL, and PHONE:
A Son’s Profile of Betty Lou von Rutenberg
– Robert von Rutenberg

Betty Lou von Rutenberg was an amazing, unique,
intelligent, and very caring woman. I had the privilege of
knowing her for 29 years. She had an absolute zest for
life, cherished and loved her family and friends, and
always found the good in people. She had an amazing
capacity to make everyone she met feel as though they
were the most important and special person in the world.
My opinion is a bit one-sided; she is, after all, my mother.
I still miss and think of her often. I am hoping to
somehow convey to scholarship applicants the essence
of the woman named Betty.

A life long Madisonian, Betty Lou loved the city, the lakes,
and the people. A middle child of six, she quickly learned
that to get somewhere, you had to speak up and make your presence known. She was very
close to her grandmother, who she called “the first business woman in Madison.” At age 13
her grandmother taught her how to “do the books” for the family business which consisted of
Neesvig Farms, Madison Packing Company, and 13 restaurants. Every Saturday Betty Lou
would sit with her grandmother, do the books and learn life lessons. At 16, she graduated
high school and went on to the University of Wisconsin. At 19, in her junior year, her
grandmother died. My mother took over the business. She still finished college, but went
from a straight A to a D student her final year. She jokingly said that was when she learned
time management.

After college she married my father, whom she met at the University (she actually tried to
have him expelled, but that is another story). In the early 1960s, my parents decided to
leave her family’s business and start their own family and business. Starting small to allow
my mom a flexible schedule, they bought a little restaurant called “The Nibble Nook.” Soon,
my brothers Bill and Jack were born. Business and family were thriving. Above the
restaurant my mom had and office and nursery. Five years later they sold that business and
soon purchased a supper club on Lake Mendota (between restaurants I came into the
world). Just working evenings was very appealing after the grind of serving breakfast, lunch
and dinner. My mom again set up an office and nursery above the restaurant. Despite a
very busy schedule, my mother always managed to balance work, family, friends, and fun.

My mother was proud of her success and worked extremely hard to get to the top. When
she died, the company consisted of three restaurants, a marina, and real estate
developments. However, what mattered most to her was her relationship with her family

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and friends. She was never too busy take time out to focus on you and only you. She was
a great listener. Integrity was of important to her. She said it was one thing that could not
altered, you either have it, or you don’t, there is no grey area.
A great businesswoman and mother, Betty also did a lot of charitable work. She was
extremely progressive and ahead of her time on many issues. Of those not sharing her point
of view, she would politely say they just needed to be further educated and then they would
see she was correct. A favorite quote: “You never have to apologize for being right.”

Joining TEMPO was instantaneous love. She felt she had landed. It was amazing to be
among women like herself: strong, independent, passionate about success and learning
with a zest for life. Mother often quoted: “Ginger Rogers did every thing that Fred Astaire
did, except she did it backwards and in high heels.” (Faith Whittlesy)

When my mom quoted, we boys used to just roll our eyes “oh no, not again.” We jokingly
called these quotes “Momilys.” It was like being in church and getting a mini sermon. When
we went to college she would mail them to us. I still have some of them. In some small way
I feel they capture her essence. Following are just a few of the hundreds that she share with
me over the years:

       “Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be ‘half as good.’
                     Luckily this is not difficult.” – Charlotte Whitton

      “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly” – Robert F. Kennedy

                    “When you know better, you do better.” –Maya Angelou

   “When faced with a decision always ask, “What would be the most fun?” –Peggy Walker

     “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” –William Shedd

The Three Wise Women
  Three wise women would have. . .
        Asked directions
        Arrived on time
        Helped deliver the baby
        Cleaned the stable
        Made a casserole
        Brought practical gifts
  And there would be peace on earth.
                          --Unknown--




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Thank you for letting me share a small part of my mother with you. Wherever your life my
lead you, I offer this Momily: “May you have a spring in your step, and a smile in your heart.”
–Betty von Rutenberg

#1 Please attach your resume including EXTRACURRICULAR SCHOOL activities,
VOLUNTEER activities, OTHER activities in any community, church or social programs
outside of school, and your PAID EMPLOYMENT during your Sophomore, Junior & Senior
years with your time commitment (weekly or monthly).


#2    Which college, trade or technical school you plan to attend?
      Have you received a Letter of Acceptance?


#3    Why did you select this school?


#4    What do you consider your TWO favorite subjects?
      Why do you enjoy these subjects?



NARRATIVES: While your space here is not limited, points will NOT be awarded
       for length, but for content and message. 12-pt type, please.

#5     In addition to graduating from college in your desired field of study, ten years from
       now, what will be your TOP THREE MOST IMPORTANT accomplishments?
       (Suggested length 125 words)




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#6    Describe someone outside your immediate family who has had a profound affect on
      your life and explain how they helped you become the person you are today.
      (Suggested length 150 words)




#7    Please tell us what you consider your most important qualities and strengths to
      ensure your success in life. (Suggested length 75 words)




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#8    Upon reflection of Betty’s ideals, why should you be chosen to receive the Betty von
      Rutenberg Memorial Scholarship? (Suggested maximum length 225 words)




In addition to your resume, we will be exploring various social media sites to learn more
about you. Please indicate to which social media sites you belong.




The top three candidates will be expected to attend the May 8, 2012 Tempo Luncheon
meeting and participate in an interview with the scholarship committee.

RETURN YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR.
GUIDANCE COUNSELORS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION VIA
EMAIL BY APRIL 13, 2012.
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THANK YOU for submitting your application!




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