Dr. Aurora F. DeCastro Scholarship Fund
Fund Type
Scholarship
Scholarship
Established
05/25/2021
05/25/2021
Purpose
This scholarship fund honors the life of Dr. Aurora F. DeCastro, a warm, funny and enthusiastic woman whose dream was to help young people continue their education. Dr. Aurora DeCastro came to the United States from Cuba as a young girl. At just 17 years old, speaking no English, she began her college journey in the United States and quickly thrived. She received her undergraduate degree from LSU in Baton Rouge and earned her doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. DeCastro had a fulfilling career at Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, Indiana and after retirement went on to establish several new businesses. She holds multiple patents on inventions of her making. With her fund, Dr. DeCastro seeks to help others further their education and achieve their dreams. Outside of work, Aurora embraced her passions. She traveled the country competing in ballroom dance, winning the prestigious Ohio Star Ball with her partner, Mark Brock. She also explored the world, collecting artifacts she later donated to the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart for all to enjoy. Dr. DeCastro passed away in 2023 leaving a significant bequest of more than $1.3 Million to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. With her gift, the foundation was able to create a scholarship opportunity open to students across St. Joseph County, Cass County, and Elkhart County. The DeCastro scholarship is $10,000 per year for 4 years award, totaling $40,000. To be eligible, students were nominated by their high schools, submitted a full application, and participated in an interview. She often said her greatest quality was her curiosity. With this scholarship, Aurora encourages you to stay curious, pursue your dreams, and know that you are helping fulfill hers in the process.
This scholarship fund honors the life of Dr. Aurora F. DeCastro, a warm, funny and enthusiastic woman whose dream was to help young people continue their education. Dr. Aurora DeCastro came to the United States from Cuba as a young girl. At just 17 years old, speaking no English, she began her college journey in the United States and quickly thrived. She received her undergraduate degree from LSU in Baton Rouge and earned her doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. DeCastro had a fulfilling career at Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, Indiana and after retirement went on to establish several new businesses. She holds multiple patents on inventions of her making. With her fund, Dr. DeCastro seeks to help others further their education and achieve their dreams. Outside of work, Aurora embraced her passions. She traveled the country competing in ballroom dance, winning the prestigious Ohio Star Ball with her partner, Mark Brock. She also explored the world, collecting artifacts she later donated to the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart for all to enjoy. Dr. DeCastro passed away in 2023 leaving a significant bequest of more than $1.3 Million to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. With her gift, the foundation was able to create a scholarship opportunity open to students across St. Joseph County, Cass County, and Elkhart County. The DeCastro scholarship is $10,000 per year for 4 years award, totaling $40,000. To be eligible, students were nominated by their high schools, submitted a full application, and participated in an interview. She often said her greatest quality was her curiosity. With this scholarship, Aurora encourages you to stay curious, pursue your dreams, and know that you are helping fulfill hers in the process.