We’re excited to congratulate three members of our alumni community who were named as John Litsios Scholars and received a special off-cycle GEJ Scholarship award.
The John Litsios Scholarship Fund was established for one of Camp Rising Sun's most dedicated alumni. A camper from the first decade of Camp, John also served as Camp Director, was a member of the Board of Directors, and served on the Members Advisory Council into his 96th year. As an engineer, John used his technical background to help maintain the buildings and grounds of Camp over the years. GEJ Scholarship applicants studying polytechnics, science or engineering-related fields are eligible to be named a John Litsios Scholar.
In addition to studying sciences, these three Camp Rising Sun alums embody the values of leadership, excellence, and commitment to social justice across a variety of fields and disciplines. We congratulate them on all of their achievements and wish them well in their future endeavors!
Please read on below to meet the Scholars:
Elizabeth Doss (CRS '17)
“I am so grateful that CRS introduced me to the tools I'll need to make true change in the world as a future physician.”
Elizabeth is a second year medical student at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Elizabeth began her study of medicine as an undergraduate at Brown where she earned a bachelor of science in neuroanatomy, and completed a program in liberal medical education. With her commitment to the medical field, we are proud to name Elizabeth as a John Litsios scholar. Elizabeth’s goal is to become an attending emergency physician at an urban hospital, and also to be an advocate for expanded access to Medicaid and Medicare and for improvements in emergency care, with a particular focus on improving patient experiences and outcomes for Black andHispanic populations. In addition to pursuing her own goals, Elizabeth works with an organization that introduces underrepresented high school students from across Rhode Island to career opportunities in healthcare. Elizabeth collaborates with physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other professionals to create opportunities for students to explore medical-related fields by, among other things, touring nursing simulation centers and dissecting cow hearts. In addition to her undergraduate and medical studies, Elizabeth has competed on the Brown Ballroom Dance team since 2020. Elizabeth attended Camp Rising Sun in 2017.
Woohyun Kwen (CRS '19)
"Carrying on the lessons from Camp Rising Sun, I aspire to embody compassionate, responsible leadership in the roles I hold, not simply through titles, but through daily acts of service to patients and my communities."
Woohyun is a first year medical student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Woohyun was named a John Litsios Scholar for her years long commitment to medical and scientific pursuits. As an undergraduate at Amherst College, Woohyun earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Certificate in Culture, Health, and Science. Woohyun credits CRS with instilling in her that leadership is service. Woohyun has demonstrated her commitment to service with her many volunteer activities, which include seven years as an emergency medical technician, providing medical education at a local jail, coordinating cases for a health clinic and conducting community outreach for dermatology education. Woohyun has also been on the board of CRS’ New York Alumni Association since 2020, for which she has acted as the young alumni lead and the marketing lead. Woohyun attended Camp Rising Sun in 2019.
Temwachi Mphande (CRS '12)
“I’m so honored to be awarded this GEJ Scholarship. Camp Rising Sun has had a profound impact on my life and I am grateful that LAJF is continuing to share this journey with me.”
Temwachi is attending Rollins College where she is in her second year toward a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Temwachi’s ongoing work in the healthcare industry made her realize that full health extends beyond clinical care to broader social, economic, and political factors, which inspired her to pursue public health as a way to address the structural barriers that shape health outcomes. In addition to her studies, Temwachi plans and executes mental health and wellness outreach events to help promote well-being across her campus. She also interns at Florida’s Bureau of Violence and Injury Prevention where she engages with public health officials to explore ways to promote awareness on the harms of substance use during pregnancy, a critical component in reducing infant mortality. Temwachi’s goal is to obtain a doctorate in public health and work on strengthening health systems in the Sub-Saharan region where she was raised. We are proud to name Temwachi a John Litsios scholar and to play a small role in helping her achieve her goals. Temwachi attended Camp Rising Sun in 2012.
As part of our commitment to supporting young leaders, each year LAJF awards scholarships to CRS alumni obtaining their undergraduate or graduate degrees at institutions in the United States. The GEJ Scholarships, dedicated to the memory of George E. ("Freddie") Jonas, founder and benefactor of Camp Rising Sun, are made possible thanks to the generosity of Seth Frank (CRS ‘48, ‘49), the creator of the GEJ Scholarship Fund. We invite you to join Seth, the Georges Lurcy Trust, and many other donors in their ongoing support of our future GEJ scholars with your generous donation to the GEJ Scholarship Fund!