Who We Are
Founded in 1914 by Josephine Millsaps Fitzhugh and named in her honor, The Josephine Circle, Inc. is an organization of women dedicated to providing scholarships and interest-free loans to young men and women needing financial assistance for their college education. The funding for these scholarships and loans is raised through projects sponsored by the organization. The main fundraiser is an annual luncheon, fashion show and silent auction. We welcome corporate and individual donations from the community.
About our Founder
Josephine Fitzhugh was an early champion of the welfare of those in the Juvenile Court System in Memphis and encouraged friends to join her in providing support for those young girls. The group expanded into what is now one of Memphis' most active charitable organizations for deserving college students. Josephine's interest in education came from her father, who founded Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. That legacy continued when she married Guston T. Fitzhugh, whose grandfather founded Belhaven College in Jackson, MS.
Scholarships
The organization endowed the Josie Fitzhugh Scholarship at Rhodes College and The Josephine Circle, Inc. Scholarship at the University of Memphis. Scholarships also are awarded annually to students within the University of Tennessee Allied Health Center. The schools select the scholarship recipients.
Loans
Up to 15 interest-free loans of $2,500 each are awarded each semester. Students currently attending college are receiving Josephine Circle loans that amount to approximately $125,000. Those who have completed their education are repaying over S300,000 in loans. It is the repayment of loans and community donations that enable funding of additional loans.
