2026 CDF Scholarship Winners
The Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia (CDF) is delighted to announce the recipients of our 2026 scholarships given to three graduate students in Virginia communication sciences and disorders programs! The three outstanding recipients represent three of the seven CSD programs in the Commonwealth.
Pat Thomas Dewey Scholarship ($3000): Grace Morrow, Radford University
Grace Morrow is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Radford University. She is passionate about working with adults and is especially fascinated by the world of cognition. Through her clinical experiences at Radford, she has had opportunities to work with and learn from this population, which has greatly contributed to her passion for the field. She hopes to become an advocate for this population and for future interventions. After graduation, Grace intends to pursue a career in a medical speech-language pathology setting, particularly working with adults with neurogenic disorders. She cannot wait to continue learning and sharing that knowledge with others. She is incredibly honored to receive this award from the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia, and is grateful for the support as she works toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
David H. Narburgh Scholarship ($4000): Aeri Quispesivana Gaspar, Longwood University
Aeri Quispesivana Gaspar is a first-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Longwood University. She will begin her graduate studies in August and is excited to continue developing the knowledge and clinical skills needed to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist. Aeri's clinical interests include bilingual assessment and intervention, culturally responsive practices, reducing the overidentification of English Learner (EL) students for speech and language services, and supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. She is passionate about advocating for multilingual children and promoting equitable, evidence-based care. After graduation, Aeri hopes to work with pediatric populations while advocating for culturally- and linguistically-diverse communities. Her long-term goal is to become a university professor, where she hopes to mentor future speech-language pathologists and contribute to more equitable practices for multilingual children through teaching, research, and advocacy.
Rita Purcell-Robertson Scholarship ($4000): Molly Case, James Madison University
Molly Case is currently a speech-language pathology graduate student at James Madison University and plans to graduate in May 2027. She has valued the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan and has found particular fulfillment in supporting autistic children through early intervention and neurodiversity-affirming care. As a future speech-language pathologist, she hopes to work in a pediatric setting, where she can work closely with children and families to promote functional communication, self-advocacy, and meaningful participation in daily life. Inspired by her background in public health and experiences working with culturally- and linguistically-diverse communities, she is committed to advancing equitable access to communication services and supporting culturally responsive, inclusive practices within the field. Molly is grateful for the opportunity to learn from every client, family, and mentor she encounters and looks forward to making a meaningful difference as a compassionate clinician and lifelong advocate.
Thank You For Your Support of our Primary Fundraiser
The CDF Silent & Live Auction at the SHAV Conference in Richmond
The CDF recognized two former CDF trustees who spent many years on the CDF Board as well as past service on SHAV boards. The 2026 Friend of the Foundation awards went to Fredia Helbert and Linda Meyer. Fredia served on the SHAV Board as VP Audiology (2007-2009) and on the CDF Board (2005-2024). Linda served as SHAV VP for Clinical Affairs (1989-1991), as President Elect (1991-1992), President (1992-1994), Past President (1994-1996), VP Public Relations and Communication (1996-2000) and on the CDF board from 2009 -2025. We thank them both for all the years of support on the CDF Board!
Our mission
The mission of the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia is to serve as a non-profit organization of volunteers who support the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology through fundraising for scholarships awarded to students in Virginia's communication sciences and disorders programs, and to support achievement and honor excellence in student and colleague accomplishments.
The Foundation began in 1985 as a committee of the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) with the purpose of raising and awarding scholarship funds for graduate studies in the field of communication disorders. A year later, it was established as an independent foundation with a Board of Trustees and 501(c) (3) status.
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New Association of Virginia Audiologists Launches Across the Commonwealth
The Association of Virginia Audiologists (AVA) is a newly established professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of audiology across the Commonwealth. AVA brings together licensed audiologists, hearing healthcare providers, and industry partners to promote best practices, support continuing education, and advocate for policies that improve access to high-quality hearing and balance care. Through collaboration, research, and community outreach, the Association aims to elevate standards of care and ensure Virginians receive the comprehensive audiological services they need to thrive.
CDF Scholars Across the Years
