Close to 120 donors, guests and students came together in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center on the Newman University campus Monday, April 18 for the 2016 Scholarship Luncheon. The annual event is designed to give scholarship recipients and their respective scholarship donors an opportunity to meet, enjoy lunch and get to know each other.
The event featured remarks by Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., scholarship recipients Danielle Buedden and Brandon Gollhofer, Newman Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston ’82, Manager of Annual Fund Blaine Crouch and Senior Development Officer David Alexander.
The Scholarship Luncheon was held on Tuition Stop Day, also known as Joyful Jets Day. The day marks the point in the semester when tuition paid by students stops covering the cost of their education, and the remainder is funded by Newman donors through their scholarships. In addition to providing a way for Newman officials and students to thank donors for their generosity, the day is meant to help students understand the significant role donors play in giving students the opportunity to attend Newman and focus on their studies at no cost or reduced cost.
Joyful Jet Day also featured free doughnuts distributed at various spots on campus, and a Thank You card signed by students to be mailed to donors.
Students at the luncheon said they were thankful for their scholarships for several reasons.
“Having the scholarship definitely offers a security level that allows students to focus on their major and not have to worry about having enough money,” said senior sociology major Jessica Logan, who is a Cardinal Newman Scholarship recipient. “Not having to worry about money makes my ability to succeed at Newman more likely.”
Amy Emerson, a freshman student receiving an ASC Community Leader Scholarship and an Advanced Standing Scholarship, said receiving the awards made a great difference in her decision to come to Newman.
“My main goal was not to put pressure on my parents – I have three other siblings who will go to college – so I worked hard in high school for grades and doing volunteer work” Emerson said. Getting the ASC Scholarship was so cool, learning about the sisters and the service work they do. Getting the scholarship also relieves a lot of stress. I feel like I’m working toward my goals. It also helps me stay involved and I can appreciate the experience of being at Newman a lot more. It gives me opportunities I wouldn’t have had.”
Sophomore communication major Gabrielle Rizzi, from Lenexa, Kan., believes she would not be at Newman if not for the school’s donors and the scholarships they help provide.
Below you can watch remarks made to donors by students Danielle Buedden and Brandon Gollhofer, plus comments made by President Carrocci during the luncheon.
