For DonorsFor Applicants

James E. Simonetti Memorial Scholarship Fund

Funded by
user profile avatar
Simonetti
$4,500
1 winner$4,500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 31, 2022
Winners Announced
Aug 31, 2022
Education Level
Undergraduate
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate
School:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Major:
Criminal justice or law enforcement

James Edward Simonetti was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1968. He dedicated his life to the service of others and spent the last 25 years of his career with the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department. Prior to CMU, Jim was a police officer for the East Deer Township and McKees Rocks municipal police departments. As a Senior Police Officer, he served as a mentor and coached dozens of CMU officers. 

Jim once told his Chief that the role of the CMU police was to keep the students safe so they could go on to do great things. In keeping with this philosophy, Jim was presented with a Heroism Award for outstanding courage when, without regard for his personal safety, he helped rescue an unconscious CMU student from a fire scene, resulting in the saving of her life.

Jim’s life was tragically cut short in the line of duty when he contracted COVID-19 and, after a valiant fight, passed from complications on October 13, 2021.

In his spare time, Jim loved spending time with his friends and family and enjoyed cooking spicy foods, arguing with his father, astronomy, unusual beers and particularly loved the band Iron Maiden. He loved sports and was a little league power pitcher with a fast ball in excess of 80 mph.

His sense of humor, gentle manner and lovable personality will be forever missed by those lives he touched.

To encourage the future of the criminal justice field, the James E. Simonetti Memorial Scholarship Fund will support one undergraduate student at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania who are majoring in criminal justice, or cadets at the criminal justice training center.

To apply, write about how you will use your job in the criminal justice field or as a police officer to make a positive impact. Explain how you plan to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published February 4, 2022
Essay Topic

How do you plan on making a positive impact by working in the criminal justice field or as a police officer? How will you further enhance relations between the police and the communities they serve?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Jodi Custred
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana, PA
My name is Jodi Custred. I am currently attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, studying Criminology and Sociology in the dual baccalaureate program. I plan on also attending IUP's graduate school for both degrees. Personally, I feel as though I would not be a great fit for strictly law enforcement positions. However, I think I can make an active change in the community by working as a social worker or victim advocate, as well as advocating for change in our justice system. By becoming a social worker or victim advocate, I can comfort, protect, and serve children and families who are victims of violent crimes, such as abuse. And while I'm not opposed to becoming law enforcement, I do think that I am more skilled in a profession that uses counseling and goal-planning and skills-based communication and achievement rather than enforcing laws and protecting citizens, with the risk of my life being on the line. I am sorry to find that Jim Simonetti has passed. I'm sure he was an excellent police officer. I do find that in my profession I will be able to also work closely with law enforcement, as well as educate officer, both young and old, on the importance of being trauma-informed, domestic violence issues, substance abuse, and so many other sensitive topics. We frequently see victims of related crimes not liking police, even hating them. But I want to educate police officers to bring them closer to the community, as well as lobbying for protection of victims in legislature. I truly believe that by closing this gap between community and law enforcement, we would see far less crime, victimization, injury, and death. Furthermore, I have worked for Bethany Beach Police Department (Delaware) and Alice Paul House (Indiana's DV/SA Shelter- Non-Profit), which has broadened my awareness on what is good, what can be fixed, and what absolutely needs to change in terms of how we serve our community. I found that in these jobs, many officers are not equipped with the understanding of the intricacies of certain crimes. Furthermore, with a non-profit organization, they are very knowledgeable on the laws pertaining to the crimes they advocate for, but they tend to have strained relationships with law enforcement. Once again, my goal is to help and heal families and children, change our justice system and how each department interacts, and bridging the gap between law enforcement, advocates, and our community. I believe many areas can be improved upon that would benefit how our system works.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 31, 2022. Winners will be announced on Aug 31, 2022.