Thanksgiving Arrives Early at Saint Peter’s

On November 5, undergraduate students filled The Duncan Family Sky Room in the Mac Mahon Student Center to take the time to give thanks to the University’s scholarship donors who made their education possible. This event was the Fifth Annual Scholarship Information Session Luncheon, which is held each year in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. During the luncheon, scholarship recipients are asked to express their gratitude in handwritten notes to their benefactors.

With gratitude being one of the primary values instilled in the members of the Saint Peter’s community, taking time out of their busy schedules to give thanks wasn’t unusual for these students, but the outpouring of appreciation was remarkable!

With tears in her eyes, Kia Thornton-Miller ’16 explained how grateful she was for her scholarship as it has enabled her to continue her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Thorton-Miller is a mother of two, who is currently on disability, and a recent issue with her taxes significantly impacted her financial aid. She was faced with a difficult situation and thought she may have to drop out of school. After writing a letter to the Student Financial Aid Office, she was informed that she would receive Newcombe/Ruscick Family Scholarship.

“I am so thankful for the help I received from the financial aid office and for the donor who made it possible for me to continue my education at Saint Peter’s,” said Thorton-Miller. “I already have a job opportunity to student teach when I am nearing the end of my degree and I am so grateful that I still have that chance.”

Christian Rendon ’18, is an accounting and business management major who received the Kelly Scholarship, which is given in honor of Rev. Joseph A. Kelly, S.J. During his 25 years of ministry to Saint Peter’s, Fr. Kelly lived for the students, faculty and alumni. While Rendon did not have the opportunity to meet Fr. Kelly, he looks forward to carrying out his legacy as the beneficiary of the scholarship given in his honor.

“From all accounts, Fr. Kelly was a great man,” said Rendon. “Since I have received this scholarship, I want to do my best to represent what he stood for, which was community service and helping others.”

On December 6, Rendon will speak at Fr. Kelly’s Memorial Mass in Saint Peter Chapel and will share his personal story and what the scholarship means to him. “I look forward to meeting Fr. Kelly’s friends and family so I can get an even better sense of who he was.”

Currently in her final year at Saint Peter’s, Kathy Mayorga ’15 was awarded The Rev. Jack and Madelyn Glynn Memorial Scholarship. The psychology major is extremely grateful to her benefactors. “I am very thankful for this scholarship because it truly helped me along the way through college.”

These students are already on the path to success, but many still need financial assistance to obtain an education. For more information on how to fund a scholarship, contact the Office of Advancement and External Affairs at (201) 761-6123.

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