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Meet the ENF Staff

Anne Stretz
Programs Relationship Associate
Scholarships

Anne stays calm and collected even as
the MVS scholarship application deadline nears!
How long have you worked at the ENF?
I’ve worked at the ENF for just over four years.

What projects are you/your department working on right now?
The Most Valuable Student scholarship application deadline is fast approaching on December 6, so Ashley and I are very busy fielding calls and emails from applicants. When the phone stops ringing, we are spending time educating Scholarship Chairs about our new MVS Judging Dashboard. I’ve also been connecting Elks scholars with their local Lodges and communicating with scholars in Bloomington, Indiana, Corvallis, Oregon, and right here in Chicago about volunteer opportunities and meet-ups happening at their local Elks Lodge.

What’s your favorite part of working at the ENF?
Every day I continue to be more and more impressed by Elks scholars. As I read their applications when they are just starting on their college journey, they amaze me! But then, they continue to impress me throughout college with their dedication to academics, service, and making the most of college. They are some of the kindest, nicest people and their dedication to their communities is amazing. I also love the beautiful building we work in!

Describe your average day at the ENF.
Whether I’m hosting a webinar for Scholarship Chairs, sending cards to freshmen Elks scholars, or posting a photo to Instagram, every day is busy! I usually start my day answering emails from scholars and Scholarship Chairs. I’m often emailing with Elks scholars and informing them of opportunities about how to connect with their local Elks Lodges. I’ll usually attend a meeting about something like planning the next issue of Elks Scholar Connect, our monthly e-newsletter, or planning the upcoming MVS Leadership Weekend. And soon we’ll start planning for the Elks Scholar Advisory Board meeting during the Elks National Convention in New Orleans. I love seeing the Scholar Advisory Board and catching up with them!

What are you thankful for this month?
I am thankful for my family! I got married in August (some of you may know me as Anne Shields), so I’m looking forward to celebrating the holidays together with our families. 

What’s one thing about you that might surprise people?
I want to visit all 50 state capitol buildings. I’m not very close to reaching all 50 right now, but hope to someday! I love the buildings and learning a little about each state.

What TV show do you never miss?
I recently watched all of the House of Cards series, and I can’t wait for it to return. I love any political drama!
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