Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change. Walden invited students and alumni to submit short videos showcasing how Walden has helped them to make a positive change in their careers, their lives, or the lives of others. This contest – The Scholars of Change video competition - was launched as part of a multimedia campaign celebrating Walden’s commitment to social change. Five grand prize winners received 5,000 USD plus an additional 2,500 USD to donate to their favorite charities. More than 90 Walden students and alumni submitted videos, and members of the general public were invited to vote on their favorites. A panel of judges evaluated the top videos and selected the five grand prize winners. The Scholars of Change video contest grand prize winners and their designated charities are:

Tina Cloney , a Ph.D. in Public Health student from Decatur, Ill., who designed a diabetes self-management program for her community; her charity donation will go to Millikin University’s Department of Exercise Science & Sport program enhancements.

Linda Davis , an M.S. in Psychology student from Marco Island, Fla., who is empowering young women in Latin America through education; her charity donation will go to Miracles in Action.

Mary Morrissey-Ross , a Ph.D. in Public Health student from Fairfield, Conn., who implemented screenings to address emerging diabetes and hypertension concerns in Senegal; her charity donation will go to Arts-Are-Essential.

Lee Ann Walker , a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) student from Jacksonville, Fla., who is creating public transportation education campaigns for her community; her charity donation will go to The Women's Center of Jacksonville’s Rape Recovery Team.

Elisa Watters , a Ph.D. in Public Health student from Poulsbo, Wash., who has created sustainable community health education programs in Nepal; her charity donation will go to Children of the Nations.The winning videos are available for viewing at www.waldenu.edu/scholarsvideos.“These impressive videos demonstrate how Walden students are using their degrees to proactively bring about positive social change in their communities everyday. It is an honor for all of us at Walden to celebrate their achievements and to further their efforts,” said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University.The students and alumni in the videos are a reflection of students currently pursuing their graduate and undergraduate degrees at Walden. The university’s vision of contributing to the greater global good fuels the passion of Walden students, graduates, faculty members and staff.For more information, go to www.WaldenU.edu.