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| Aquinas Fund - A Worthwhile Investment |
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| Faces
of the Aquinas Fund |
| Each student who receives scholarship monies from the Aquinas Fund has
a compelling story.
Here are a few of them: |
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Laura Bertram, Future Corporate Copyeditor,
Senior
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Major: English |
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| “I feel that I have had an experience here that is incomparable to any experience I would have had elsewhere.”
For Laura, Aquinas would seem the obvious choice... her parents graduated from the College in the early 70s and her brother, David, in 2005. But Laura chose Aquinas because it was here she felt welcomed; by staff and students. Of course, she does state that receiving the Paul Nelson Scholarship “sealed the deal.” While attending Aquinas, Laura hopes to learn skills that will help further her success both in life and in her chosen career as a proofreader or copy editor at a publishing house or corporation. |
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| Christine Bigelow, Future Nurse Practitioner,
Junior |
Major: Nursing |
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| “I’ve wanted to go to nursing school all of my life …Not only am I learning how to become a great nurse, I’m discovering what it means to be independent.” Although she is a scholarship recipient, Christie’s main reason for choosing Aquinas was because it seemed the “best fit.” She loves the quaint and personal atmosphere of the campus coupled with the big city benefits. And she appreciates that Aquinas is rooted in Christian beliefs. “While I’ve been here, my faith has grown tremendously.” Christie is the first person in her immediate family to attend college. After receiving her BSN, she intends to earn her Masters and become a Nurse Practitioner. |
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| Chris Flowers, Future Entertainment Writer,
Junior |
Majors: Communication/English with Journalism Minor |
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| "I want to be an example to my younger brothers that college is important and can be achieved despite the obstacles placed in front of us,” stated Chris. The recipient of two scholarships, he is the first member of his immediate family to attend a four-year college. Although aware of Aquinas’ academic reputation, Chris says it was the friendliness of the people he met that attracted him to the College. |
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| Lisa Guntzviller, Future College Professor,
Senior |
Majors: Math & Communication with a Spanish minor |
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| “I truly do not think that at any other place I would have had the chance to meet such fabulous people who have influenced my life in such a profound way, developed my relationship with God so fully, nor found such a wide range of opportunities to express myself academically and to develop my interests.” Lisa felt a “spark” at Aquinas that she hadn’t felt anywhere else she looked. And because she feels comfortable in this environment Lisa says she will learn better. “Aquinas has made all the difference in the world to me... and because of that I hope to someday make all the difference in the world to someone else.” |
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| Patrick Harrison, Future Doctor of Psychology,
Junior |
Majors: Psychology & Pre-Law |
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| “Aquinas has always struck me as a first-rate school where highly qualified professors challenge students on a daily basis.” Patrick is familiar with Aquinas... three of his aunts and one uncle graduated from the College... and says that its Dominican tradition enriches the education received; in part by allowing students to think critically and to formulate their own truths. Patrick hopes to obtain his PhD in Psychology and knows Aquinas’ reputation will aid his application process to graduate schools when the time comes. |
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| Nancy Hurt, Future Corporate Executive,
Junior |
Major: Business Adminstration with a Music Minor
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| “It seems that whenever I was at home contemplating what kind of school I would like or what school I should choose, my thoughts would be interrupted by a piece of Aquinas mail coming through the door, or a phone call from Aquinas... It was really kind of weird.” Nancy wanted to attend a Catholic college and found Aquinas’ campus and class sizes appealing. Nancy’s plan is to graduate early and pursue her goal of becoming a successful businesswoman. “Aquinas is the school and education and life I chose for my future.” |
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| Matt Japinga, Future Mercy Corp Doctor,
Sophomore |
Major: Undecided; Spanish minor |
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| “College is important because without an education you are basically nothing in the world.” It was Aquinas’ size and the reputation of its pre-health program that attracted Matt. What he finds more important is that Aquinas’ professors are accessible and interested in their students’ progress. At Aquinas, Matt found a great place to learn more about himself, and to get the support and education he desires in order to become the best medical doctor he can be. |
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Kathryn Kinville,
Junior
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Major: Communication |
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| “You may be able to find friendly people everywhere, but here at Aquinas I did not have to look for them!” From the spontaneous smiles she encountered on her initial campus tour to the conversations she finds herself in now... Kathryn loves everything about Aquinas. The fact that Aquinas is a Catholic college was important to her and scholarship assistance made a tremendous difference. |
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| Jesus Martinez, Future CFO for an International Corporation,
Junior |
Major: International Business and Accounting |
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| “I want to be able to make decisions that will make a difference in the world - that’s what I want to learn from Aquinas College.” Jesus based his college choice on a number of factors: he wanted to attend a small college, he wanted to be close to his family, and he wanted a college with a good academic reputation. Aquinas met those requirements and offered “great” scholarships. Jesus is the first out of nine in his family to attend college. He believes a college education provides him the opportunity and knowledge needed to dispel stereotypes, pursue a rewarding career, and make informed decisions on issues affecting his community, state and country. |
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| Nick Plaska, Future Motivational Speaker,
Sophomore |
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| “It is through interaction with others and society that we form and strengthen our morals and beliefs.” Nick acknowledges that a college education is important in order to be successful in life and in a career. He also thinks it’s about more than classroom learning. Here at Aquinas, he has found the chance to build relationships, faith, and moral character through volunteer and service opportunities. It is these experiences and relationships that Nick believes will sustain him through even trying times. In these good times, Nick enjoys playing Frisbee, climbing trees and watching the Aquinas squirrels. |
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| Audrey Sanders, Future Doctor,
Sophomore |
Majors: Psychology and Spanish
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| “Aquinas... challenges you to gain knowledge in several disciplines and to also value service, community, and spirituality.” A Spectrum scholarship winner, Audrey chose Aquinas in part because of its pre-med and study abroad programs but also because of its strong focus on service. And she takes advantage of every opportunity the College has to offer; from study-abroad programs to service learning trips and involvement in campus organizations. Audrey hopes to become an M.D. and make a difference in the world by “healing and overseeing the health and well-being of others.” |
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| To learn more, contact Cecilia
A. Cunningham,
Director of the Aquinas Fund, at
(616) 632-2816 or cunnicec@aquinas.edu. To make a gift to the Aquinas Fund online, click here. |
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