Winner-Winners
“I enjoy the presence and energy of sharp, eager minds all gathered in one place. And I enjoy getting to interact with them during a sample class," said English professor David Wright (pictured).
By - Barry McNamara, Monmouth College
By all accounts, Monmouth College’s annual scholarship competition – which was held across campus on Feb. 7 – was an outstanding event.
The statistics certainly back that up, as there were 137 prospective students on campus and, with their guests, a total of 359 visitors, with both figures setting new records for the day. Additionally, 33 students were interviewed virtually.
More than 150 volunteers made the day possible, including 26 Monmouth alumni who returned to campus to lend a hand. The volunteers supported the prospective students and their parents in a variety of ways, from mock classes and interviews, to tours and informal conversations, to sessions for the parents on such topics as financial aid, student wellness, international travel and athletics.
“The day showcased the very best of who we are, and the vibe across campus was energetic, warm and welcoming,” said Monmouth President Patricia Draves. “Throughout the day, countless students and parents sought me out to tell me how wonderful their experience had been. I heard comments such as, ‘This isn’t our first rodeo – we’ve been to many events, and this is, by far, the best.’”
‘Remarkable’ pride and passion
Tasked with leading the campus-wide initiative was Monmouth’s director of admission visits and events, Michelle Carlson.
“Sometimes we get caught up in the day to day and this event always reminds me why Monmouth College is so special. The sense of community is so real,” said Carlson. “Alumni, faculty, staff, current students, current student parents – everyone plays a part in making this event a success. The amount of pride and passion that is shared with future Scots is remarkable.”
In addition to the contributions made by Monmouth’s faculty, staff and alumni, Carlson praised the efforts of current students, who she said were “all over the place – helping with presentations, serving as group leaders and tour guides, getting students and guests where they need to go – that list is endless.”
One of the faculty who assisted – and has for several years – is psychology professor Joan Wertz.
“I enjoy meeting and talking with the scholarship competitors,” said Wertz. “They are an impressive group of young people, and I get excited about the possibility of having them in my classes in the future. Participating in the event is a good way to show prospective students that the faculty here cares about students and their goals, and we’ll be as helpful as we can be as they figure out their paths forward.”
A staff member who annually contributes to the effort is Marnie Steach, a 1995 graduate and director of the college’s Wackerle Center for Career, Leadership and Fellowships.
“This is such an exciting day on campus and there is so much energy,” said Steach. “It’s fun to see prospective student scholars interact with current students, faculty and staff. Monmouth holds such a special place in my heart, and I love having the opportunity to help others see themselves at Monmouth.”
Part of Steach’s role is to present to parents about the Wackerle Center.
“As a parent myself, I really appreciate how important it is to know that your student has resources and support available to them to help them navigate their academic and career paths,” she said.
After a day that can be certainly be stressful for the prospective students and their guests, it was time to gather again and enjoy some fine dining provided by Aramark, the college's food service.
‘Sharp, eager minds’
English professor David Wright volunteers his time by teaching a mock class.
“I enjoy the presence and energy of sharp, eager minds all gathered in one place. And I enjoy getting to interact with them during a sample class,” he said. “However much energy I might bring to that classroom, they match it, even when they are nervously awaiting a scholarship interview. That exchange of smarts and energy are what they can expect when they come back to campus as students, so it’s a good introduction to the best we do here at Monmouth.”
Wright observed that the impressions made on the college’s big day can be lasting.
“It’s always rewarding to see a student on campus a few years later who remembers something about that day, even if they haven’t taken a course with me,” said Wright. “You realize they’ve found their way to campus and to a calling they’re excited about. At graduation one year I had a student who told me she’d been in my sample class, and it helped her and her family make the choice to study at Monmouth.”
All the volunteers contribute in meaningful ways, but Carlson doled out extra praise to “unsung heroes.”
“Our facilities crew is incredible and handles so many thankless tasks,” she said. “All the set-ups and transformations of spaces is all credit to them. It brought a smile to my face when I walked into the Center for Science and Business at 7:30 a.m. to a clean scent, as one of our custodians was doing one last mop before our guests began to arrive. And Aramark amazes me – the hospitality they provide with refreshments throughout the day and then the turnaround to pull off a delicious dinner in the fieldhouse at the end of the day.”
And now – drumroll, please
Below are the eight students who were awarded Monmouth’s prestigious scholarships.
Monmouth’s Vice Admiral James B. and Sybil Stockdale Scholarship recognizes first-time freshmen students from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities. Each Admiral’s Scholar has the opportunity to participate in research with faculty, experience special internships and lead community service projects. Admiral’s Scholars also get access to an educational enrichment fund that can be used to attend a conference, conduct research or study abroad.
Grant Haste, elementary education major, attends Speedway High School and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Active in swimming, cross-country and choir and was a percussion section leader in high school.
Demetrius Watson, engineering major, attends nearby Galesburg High School. Interested in pursuing opportunities in community service and Greek life.
The William J. and Beverly Goldsborough Scholarship honors the leadership of alumnus and former Board of Trustees chair William J. Goldsborough ’65 and his wife, Beverly. The scholarship recognizes outstanding first-time freshmen students from the Chicagoland area who have consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout their high school careers and who embody the mission and values of Monmouth College, as evidenced by leadership, service, civic engagement and co-curricular commitments. Goldsborough Scholars also receive exclusive networking, professional and academic opportunities, including invitations to special alumni and college events.
Caitlyn Potvin, political science major (pre-law), attends Geneva Community High School. Interested in joining student government.
Erica Younan, psychology major (occupational therapy), attends Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center in Chicago. Also interested in joining student government.
Monmouth’s Trustees’ Scholarship recognizes first-time freshmen students from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities. Each Trustees’ Scholar has the opportunity to participate in research with faculty, experience special internships and lead community service projects.
Molly Driscoll, psychology major (pre-law) of Joliet, Illinois, who attends Plainfield South High School. Interested in participating in theatre.
Jennifer Nelson, accounting major, attends Wentzville (Missouri) Holt High School. Plans to participate in women’s tennis.
Thomas Ramsden, business administration major, is home-schooled in Grayslake, Illinois.
Marelyn Walker, art education major, attends Ottawa (Illinois) Township High School. Interested in visual and performing arts and television and radio broadcasting.