About Us
The Lynda Pilger Memorial Scholarship is created to honor our dear friend and loved one, Lynda Pilger, whose short life was dedicated to serving others. Our hope is that through our collective efforts, we can inspire, motivate, and support a graduating high school senior to take a step toward a life of activism and service to continue the good works and kindness that Lynda was known for.The purpose of the scholarship:
The Lynda Pilger Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to continuing the compassionate spirit of Lynda Pilger. Lynda believed that each person could make a difference and she demonstrated that daily through her kindness. In her 39 years her light shone both broadly and deeply, but it was far too short. It is our hope that this scholarship will help a young person to give voice to the voiceless, continuing Lynda's commitment to service.
Make a Donation
Donations for the Lynda Pilger Memorial Scholarship Fund should be sent to:Alan Baas, Scholarship Administrator
Oregon Student Assistance Commission
1500 Valley River Dr Suite 100
Eugene OR 97401
1-800-452-8807 ext 7422; FAX 541-687-7414
Please write "Pilger Fund" on the memo line of your check.
All donations are fully tax deductible. This scholarship fund is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Apply for the Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually to a college-bound high school senior in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.75, have financial need, and have demonstrated a committment to activism on behalf of animals or the environment. Applicants will be asked to illustrate their past commitment to activism in these areas, and to articulate how receiving the scholarship will help them continue such activism in the future.Applicants must submit a general application to the Oregon Student Assistance Commission at Oregon Student Assistance Commission, including the completion of four essays. Apply for the Pilger Memorial Scholarship by selecting this scholarship from a list of available scholarships. The Lynda Pilger Memorial Scholarship can be listed on the application by the name and Scholarship Code #525.
The scholarship award will grow over time as the fund earns interest. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2009, and the award will be approximately $600. In the near future the award will be at least $1,000.
The deadline to apply for the 2012-13 academic year is March 1, 2012.
How to Contact Us
Send email inquiries to: lyndapilgersf@yahoo.com.Lynda's Story
Lynda Pilger(1964-2004)
Lynda Pilger lived a short 39 years, yet in that time she made an indelible impression on others, and served as an example of service and selflessness.
Lynda was born in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada in 1964. She graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon, and attended Portland Community College where she studied dental assisting. Lynda worked for Willamette Dental for several years, and was continuing her studies in psychology at Portland State University.
From a young age Lynda had a love of animals, and was fortunate to be able to pursue animal causes in her work. Lynda volunteered at the Oregon Humane Society and worked on numerous animal-related projects. One such project was an Oregon ballot initiative in 2000 to ban steel-jawed leg-hold traps for wildlife. At the time of her death in 2004, Lynda worked for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, whose anti-cruelty mission she was passionate about.
Lynda spent time with her friends, family, and her boyfriend Jeff, as well as the animals she and Jeff shared: cats Zeus and Ziggy, and dogs Bear and Belly. Lynda and Jeff loved the outdoors and spent time camping with the dogs.
Lynda had many admirable qualities that made her unique. Among them, she was brave, hopeful, giving, and she had a gentle spirit.
Lynda was a gentle spirit. While many of us rush to judgment, or are easy to anger, Lynda saw the best in each person and creature she encountered. Lynda had a warm smile and she used it often to comfort people, suggesting that forgiveness was preferable to conflict.
Lynda was brave. Even though she generally avoided confrontation, and could easily be bruised by other people’s insensitivity, she was willing to risk conflict when necessary in service of her principles. While collecting signatures door-to-door for the anti-leg-hold initiative, she occasionally encountered those who were angry or uncaring. Lynda would return to her car, shed a few tears, then gather up her courage to go back and knock on the next door.
Lynda was hopeful. When things in her own life, or the world, seemed dark and unrelenting, Lynda maintained her optimism that things would improve. In the face of great difficulty, Lynda was a beacon that affirmed to others that tomorrow would be a better day.
Lynda was giving. Lynda shared both her time and her material gifts. Lynda spent time listening to friends, playing with her beloved animals, helping the occasional stranger, and working to make the world a better place. Lynda freely gave of her time and made it known that it was her pleasure to do so.
Losing Lynda was like losing a light in the world.
Bear's Story
BEAR(1996-2007)
Bear was a pure-bred border collie born in Molalla, Oregon in 1996. His mother was named Meg, and father was True Grit. His family tree included champion herding dogs in the United Kingdom.
From the time Bear was six weeks old until 2004 he lived with, and was lovingly cared for by, Jeff Little and Lynda Pilger. In 2004, in an automobile accident that killed Lynda, Bear was permanently paralyzed.
Officers at the scene of the accident took Bear to Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital. From there Bear was transferred to Northwest Veterinary Specialists where he remained 57 days. Bear underwent numerous surgeries on his back and legs, but never regained use of his hind legs.
For the final three years of his life, still living with Jeff Little, Bear was in a wheelchair, or dog cart. Despite Bear’s new hardware, he was not significantly slowed down, and he maintained his zest for life. The sight of Bear in the park chasing a Frisbee or ball while in his cart caused passers-by to stop and marvel. Bear’s joie-de-vivre was an inspiration to all who saw him.
Bear was an intelligent dog who could retrieve each toy by name when his owner called them out. Bear also shared his home with a dog named Belly. At mealtimes Bear would allow Belly to eat first.
Bear’s favorite places were the historic Southeast Lone Pine Cemetery, and Laurelhurst Park, both in Portland. Bear enjoyed camping trips with Lynda and Jeff to central Oregon, the Metolius River, and Yellowstone National Park, among other places. Bear accompanied Jeff and Belly on fishing trips to the Deschutes River in Oregon.
In 2007 Bear was put down due to complications from his paralysis. In his short time here he touched many hearts.