Six Newman University students have been awarded scholarships through the Kansas Independent College Foundation (KICF) annual merit-based scholarship competition.
The KICF received 55 nominations for its scholarship opportunities. A volunteer panel of nine judges helped select the 22 winners. The organization reported that the recipients represent nine of its 20 member schools, which includes Newman and other independent colleges and universities in Kansas. As a whole, the scholarship winners averaged a 3.7 GPA.
The Newman students who will receive the 2021 KICF Green and Gold Scholarships are Selia Avila, Nhanh Dao, Jenny Duong, Shayla To, Madeline Alvarez and Steven Nguyen. Each student will be awarded $1,000.
Shayla To is a biology pre-med major from Wichita and wrote in her essay, “Newman provided the resources for my success, allowing me to achieve and dream throughout my undergraduate experience while meeting passionate educators, advisors and fellow students. I am one of the lucky ones, able to pursue further education and achieve the dream of serving others.”
President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., said the scholarships highlight the university’s diverse student body.
“We are excited that so many of our students were recognized through the KICF scholarship program,” said Jagger. “We have exceptional multicultural students and first-generation students who thrive at Newman. I believe our students are deserving of these awards and we are grateful for this wonderful program.”
Photo courtesy of KICF
KICF President Matt Lindsey said, “The colleges in KICF ‘punch above our weight’ in a number of areas. We’re consistently at the top of the state in producing graduates in several fields — business, health care, teaching, fine and performing arts and of course, ministry and faith.
“First-generation students and students of color are more likely to graduate — and graduate on time — from nonprofit colleges like ours than other types of institutions. And we have robust programs designed to serve students who come back to school to complete their degree and who serve in our nation’s armed services. These scholarships showcase those strengths. I’m excited that, for the second year in a row, these students showcase the best and brightest, not just in Kansas, but in the whole United States.”
KICF awards these scholarships to celebrate diversity of its member institutions and the talented student community who demonstrate a commitment to excellence, virtue and integrity.
Below is a list of the 2021-2022 winners from Newman, noted below with hometown and major.
Minority Student Scholarship:
- Selia Avila (Wichita) – Nursing
- Nhanh Dao (Wichita) – International Studies
- Jenny Duong (Wichita) – Biology
- Shayla To (Wichita) – Biology & Pre-Med
First-Generation Scholarship:
- Madeline Alvarez (Viola) – English
- Steven Nguyen (Wichita) – Secondary Education, English
For more details about the Green & Gold Scholarships, including all 22 winners and scholarship eligibility rules, visit http://www.kscolleges.org/greenandgold-scholarships.
