A White Rose for Theresa: Endowed Scholarship Honors the Women Who Shaped Sigma Nu

A newly established endowed scholarship at the University of Arkansas Division of Student Affairs will honor the women connected to Sigma Nu's Gamma Upsilon Chapter. The Sigma Nu Women of the White Rose Endowed Scholarship was created through a $25,000 gift from alumnus Jason Gaskill, in memory of Theresa Pascal Fender.

Theresa Fender

A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Theresa Fender was a member of the Sigma Nu Little Sisters auxiliary. Her ties to the chapter remained strong through her husband, David Fender, a fellow Sigma Nu brother and friend of Gaskill's.

Theresa and David were junior high sweethearts. They graduated from college together and built a life over the course of their 37-year marriage. In 2025, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Theresa passed away, leaving behind David and their two daughters, Hannah O'Donnell and Ashton Fender; son-in-law, Tyler O'Donnell, a member of Sigma Nu; and her beloved grandchildren Eli and Heidi O' Donnell.  

When Jason Gaskill heard what his Sigma Nu brother had lost, he knew what he wanted to do. He reached out to Katy Nelson-Ginder, U of A National Director of Philanthropy, Western Region, for options to consider. Jason himself had pancreatic cancer, having undergone surgery for the disease. He has had no recurrence since February 2021.

After speaking with his wife, Debbie, Jason established the Women of the White Rose Endowed Scholarship in memory of Theresa Fender. The scholarship is through the Gaskill Family Trust, which the couple manage. The scholarship is meant to honor the mothers, sisters, sweethearts and spouses of Sigma Nu members.

Jason and Debbie Gaskill

"I thought what a fitting way to honor Theresa," Jason Gaskill said. "It honors her and it reflects the Sigma Nu values and my family's philanthropic mission."

Student Affairs Director of Development Loria Oliver said the gift represents more than a lasting tribute. It reflects how alumni philanthropy can advance student success while honoring the relationships and values that shaped their own collegiate experience.

"I am thankful that my colleague, Katy Nelson-Ginder, brought this opportunity to Student Affairs," Oliver said. "We are grateful to Jason and Debbie for establishing this endowed scholarship, an investment that transforms student lives and serves as a powerful engine for alumni support."

At Sigma Nu, the phrase "Women of the White Rose" carries deep meaning. Drawn from Sigma Nu's symbolic flower, the phrase reflects the fraternity's long-held values of respect and appreciation for the women who support its members and mission.

"One of Sigma Nu's principles is to always treat women with the utmost respect," Gaskill said. "It was part of the founders' main priorities. The sweethearts, the sisters and each member's mother are held in high regard. The White Rose is a symbol of that respect."

Gaskill pledged Sigma Nu at the U of A in the fall of 1985, after beginning his college career at Missouri Southern State University. Raised in Joplin, Mo., by his late parents, Jim and Carol Gaskill, he credits his upbringing and his time in the fraternity with shaping his outlook on life.

"Being an only child and then immediately gaining 35-plus pledge brothers was quite a shock for my system," he said. "I learned a lot about life and made friendships I still have today."

While Gaskill left the university for a career in the Missouri auto auction business, his ties to Arkansas remained strong. After his father's passing, he managed the family's real estate holdings alongside his mother. Later, he and Debbie assumed leadership of the Gaskill Memorial Trust.

The trust's mission — to help students achieve their educational goals — is being carried out now by this new scholarship.

"My wife and I are very lucky to be able to carry this mission forward," he said.

David Fender is deeply grateful to Jason and the Gaskill family for establishing the White Rose scholarship.

"Jason, Theresa, and I — we were all so blessed by our affiliation with Sigma Nu, and this program highlights the power of those bonds formed so many years ago," Fender said. "The generosity creates meaningful opportunities and helps carry forward a legacy of strength, dedication and support for others. What a beautiful and meaningful way to provide much-needed support for current and future Sigma Nu students, while also honoring my wife, Theresa."

The White Rose Scholarship will annually honor a student affiliated with Sigma Nu or its mission. Gaskill intends for the endowment to serve as a catalyst, inspiring other fraternity members to support the university.

"I would hope that all members of Sigma Nu would contribute to the fund and honor their mother, sister or sweetheart," Jason Gaskill said. "It would be nice to see other chapters follow suit."