Hardin-Simmons University announces the establishment of the Shaelly Beth Rausch Endowed Memorial Scholarship. Established in her memory by her family, the scholarship benefits students in the Irvin School of Education. The recipient must be majoring in Education, must be a student with a disability (physical, learning, or mental), and is selected by the Dean of the Irvin School of education. If a qualified graduate or undergraduate student majoring in Education is not available, the scholarship may be awarded to a student with a disability in any academic discipline.

An Abilene native who taught English at A.J. Breismeister Middle School in Seguin, Texas, for seven years, Rausch completed her master of education degree as a reading specialist at HSU on 21 Apr, 2006. Two days later she died of lupus disease. Her degree was awarded posthumously, during a special presentation at Spring Commencement, and accepted by her brother David Rausch, and sister, Michelle Holcomb.

Shaelly Rausch was an advocate of the Lupus Foundation, Seguin Independent School District Teacher of the Year, president and member of Kappa Pi Gamma Sorority, a Sigma Lambda Chi little Sister, a devoted Sunday School teacher at Faith Lutheran Church, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.

Recipients for the scholarship must be professing Christians who demonstrate a significant financial need. They must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and be students in good standing, free from any disciplinary action.