Holy Names University President Sister Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, PhD, welcomed more than 60 student scholarship recipients and university donors at a luncheon on campus Thursday, March 13.  

The event was a great opportunity for donors and students to connect and a special time for our campus community to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and the generosity of our donors, said Dav Cvitkovic, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.  Two students spoke to their peers and scholarship donors.  They remarked how tremendously the generosity of HNU donors has impacted their lives.

The first student to speak was Robert Christensen.  Robert is a junior majoring in Liberal Studies.  He was recruited to play on the Men’s Basketball team and transferred from Merritt College last fall.  Robert is a recipient of the Soda Foundation scholarship.  During his testimonial he remarked on how his scholarships “have played a huge part in my being able to go to school.  I come from a single parent household.  I have been raised by my mother whose sole income is well under $20,000 dollars per year.”

Robert also remarked about what drew him to HNU.  “I was drawn to Holy Names University by basketball.  I played just up the hill at Merritt for two years and was offered a basketball scholarship as well as a Soda Foundation Scholarship.  HNU has an excellent liberal arts program and when I made my first visit I was surprised to see the diversity of the school.  The open armed, nice-spirited students, professors, and staff were all very welcoming.  I also loved the small school atmosphere.”

“I would like to thank the Soda Foundation for their scholarship.  Because of you I am able to finish a well rounded education.  On behalf of all the students at Holy Names University we thank all donors for all scholarships that have been given to us.  Your generosity has helped us to further our education.”

The next student to speak was Michelle Edwards.  Michelle is a sophomore majoring in Nursing.  She commutes two hours each way from Oakley to HNU every day to attend class.  Michelle is a recipient of the scholarship created and funded by members of the class of 1951.  She is also a single mother of a daughter with sickle cell anemia.  Michelle spoke about how her decision to attend HNU will have a positive impact on her daughter. “I chose to attend Holy Names University because it has a small family based atmosphere and I also wanted to attend a University that my daughter may attend and start a legacy for my family.  I would like to make attending Holy Names University part of our family tradition.”

“My goal is to be the best mother, student and someday the best RN, as well as a great role model for single mothers.  I was extremely shocked and surprised when I found out that I was the recipient of the class of 1951 scholarship.  I feel as though my hard work is being recognized and this scholarship has given me even more motivation to succeed and be the best student.  Once again, thank you.  You have truly touched my life.”

Oscar Ruiz and Board of Trustees’ Chair Ron Rosequist. Rosequist Scholarship.

Sister Rosemarie addressing audience.

John and Mary Marinshaw with Jason Voss. Marinshaw Scholarship.

Robert Christensen, Soda Scholarship Recipient.

Michelle Edwards, her daughter Bria Edwards, and members of the Class of ’51. Class of ’51 Scholarship.

Michelle Edwards, Class of ’51 Scholarship Recipient.

Robert Christensen and Michelle Edwards, student speakers.

Emeritus Trustee Jim Vohs with Matilda Imbukwa and Angelica Lopez. Vohs Scholarship.

Patrick Turner with Alumni Executive Board members Julie Echaniz ’75, Michael Mosby ’88, and Rebecca Hinkley ’97.

Wesley and Martha Jones with Geraldine Agcaoili. Jones-Frank Scholarship.

Claudia Zavala and Emeritus Trustee Neil McDaniel’s daughter Joanne McDaniel Dale. McDaniel Scholarship.