Niagara University honored scholarship donors during its annual scholarship brunch on Sept. 23, 2023. Nearly 80 people were in attendance for the event, which also offered an opportunity for the donors to meet some of the students impacted by their generosity.
During the 2022-23 academic year, Niagara University awarded 796 immediate use and endowed scholarships totaling $2,054,872. Its current capital campaign, Powering Transformation, has raised $20,793,120 toward scholarship support, exemplifying its commitment to making a Niagara education accessible to all students.
The brunch also gave the students a chance to thank the donors.
“Going back to college as a single mom has been difficult,” said Audrianna Yates, a theatre studies-performance major and recipient of the Eugene and Maria, Adrian and Alma Munk/Human Memorial Scholarship. “Having this scholarship has given me the opportunity to focus on my studies without having to stress about how I am going to come up with the funds for the classes. I am very grateful for that.”
“By receiving a scholarship, I can spend more time focused on my studies,” said Jaycee Pauline, an art history and museum studies major who received the Rev. Lewis F. Bennett, C.M. Scholarship. “As a student with disabilities, it takes me longer to complete assignments. Without scholarship funding, I would need to work to afford tuition, leaving me with insufficient time for coursework.”
Molly Passow, an event and meeting management major and Vincentian Scholar, noted that “This scholarship has provided me with many opportunities to become involved with the Niagara Falls community. I have discovered my passion for serving and helping others.”
Lois Lyon Brennan Scholar Parcia Migisha, a computer and information sciences major, said “This is something that is going to significantly help with my college experience in so many great ways. For one, I will not have to worry much about how I am going to pay for my college and put more time and effort into focusing on my education and my interests.”
“Receiving this scholarship helps me achieve my career goals,” said Madison Carroll, an education major and recipient of the Ridge Scholarship. “Your generosity has allowed me to get one step closer to paying for school, thus, becoming a teacher.”