Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
HOWARD ASLINGER FOUNDATION
The Howard L. Aslinger Memorial Scholarship Foundation is an organization to encourage individuals with disabilities to further their education.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Howard L. Aslinger was born June 20, 1940 and passed away on June 16, 2009. While here with us he made a huge impact on all that met him.
When he was 11 years old he contracted polio which therefore put him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He did not let this inconvenience stand in his way to lead an active and productive life.
Howard was president of Rotary and Jaycees and was JCI senator #22234, and was active in every sport you could imagine. He was a great coach to all his daughters and many other young athletes. He helped get the Cape Area Youth Soccer Association (CAYSA) program going and was CAYSA president and CAYSA select president. He was very influential in getting boys and girls soccer programs at the high school level in Southeast Missouri.
He was an American Family Insurance agent for 32 years. Before that he worked as Hahs-Stiegmeyer Insurance and his first job was with Otto Dingeldin.
He married Jean Phillips and had 3 daughters; Shelley, Kari, and Kim. Now he also has 7 beautiful grandchildren
He never let his inconvenience get in his way of being a success. Since he did not have all the opportunities that he deserved when he was younger he always said he would like to start a scholarship for people with disabilities to further their education. So in honor and memory of him we are making this possible
OUR VISION
The Howard L. Aslinger Memorial Scholarship Foundation is an organization to encourage individuals with disabilities to further their education.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|
Meet the Scholarship Recipients
Help us congratulate the Howard Aslinger Scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Recipient
Nina Bachich
We are incredibly proud to introduce Nina Bachich, a two-time recipient of the Howard Aslinger Memorial Scholarship. Nina is pursuing her Master’s in Public Policy at Georgetown University, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Nina sustained an L1 spinal cord injury — what many would call a disability, but at the Howard Aslinger Foundation, we’ve always believed it’s an inconvenience. That mindset, passed down from Howard himself, reminds us that limitations don’t define people — their determination does.
In her first year of grad school, Nina:
-
Passed two STEM-designated math courses after a 10-year break
-
Was named “Miss Sunshine” by fellow grad staff
-
Became a Leadership Fellow, mentoring first-year students
-
Founded the Disability Policy Initiative to improve accessibility and inclusion
-
Worked directly with university staff to identify and correct ADA compliance gaps
-
Won the Georgetown University Policy Challenge with a proposal to address emergency preparedness for students with disabilities
-
Interned on Capitol Hill with Congressman Mike Lawler, supporting veterans and disability policy
-
Advocated for mental health, economic policy, and student equity
Nina is not only studying public policy—she’s influencing it. Her dedication to leadership, service, and advocacy perfectly reflects the legacy of Howard Aslinger, and we’re honored to be a small part of her incredible journey.
Scholarship Recipient
Emma McGraw
We are proud to introduce our second 2025 Howard Aslinger Foundation Scholarship recipient, Emma McGraw from Forest Hill, Maryland. Emma will be attending Hood College, where she plays on the Women’s Volleyball Team and is pursuing a career in the medical field.
Emma’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. At just five years old, a tragic lawnmower accident resulted in the amputation of her right foot and part of her left foot. Despite countless surgeries, hospital stays, and the challenges of recovery, Emma never let her circumstances define her.
Through years of physical therapy, adaptive sports, and mentorship at Camp No Limits, Emma transformed what we call an inconvenience into a source of strength and purpose. Today, she gives back as a mentor to other children living with limb loss—sharing encouragement, confidence, and the message that life is shaped not by what happens to us, but by how we respond.
Her determination, leadership, and heart embody the spirit of this scholarship. We are honored to support her as she continues to inspire others on and off the court.
GETTING INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER
The Howard Aslinger Foundation supports their mission statement by hosting fundraising events such as the Howard Aslinger 12/24 Hr Endurance Event and the Summer Music Festival. If you would like to get involved by volunteering at one of these events click below to learn more.
MAKE A DONATION
This foundation would not be able to help so many if it were not for donations from people like you! We encourage you to learn more about us and what we do, however, if you are ready to donate now please follow the link below.
http://paypal.me/HowardAslingerFound
CONTACT US ANYTIME
Please fill free to contact any of us with any questions, comments or fond memories by simply filling out the form below.
2035 Allen Drive | Cape Girardeau, MO 63701