(Leavenworth, Kan.)鈥斕切氖悠� student Tia Perkins has received a Minority Student Scholarship from the Kansas Independent College Foundation.
Every year, the KICF awards merit-based scholarships to celebrate diverse and talented students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence, virtue, and integrity. USM nominated Perkins, a nursing major from Belleville, Illinois, for the scholarship after an internal selection process.
"I wanted an excellent education, not mediocre, and when I walked into Saint Joseph Dining Hall and saw (USM's) core values painted on the ceiling, everything I wanted in a school was right above me," Perkins said. "I did not want to feel like a number, and I wanted an exemplary education based around me, and that is why I chose the University of Saint Mary."
The KICF received a record 116 nominations for its annual collection of merit-based scholarships. A volunteer panel of 10 judges selected the 22 winners. The KICF awarded $17,000 to students through nine scholarship categories, including:
- Minority Student Scholarship
- First Generation Scholarship
- American Service Member Scholarship
- Better Life Degree Completion Award
- Future Leaders in Business
- Future Leaders in the Arts
- Future Leaders in Education
- Future Leaders in Faith
- Future Leaders in Health Professions
Each nominated student submitted a detailed essay about their leadership training, career goals, and why they chose an independent college.
"Truly, these scholarships showcase our strengths and help us highlight that some of the best and brightest students are located on small, independent campuses," KICF President Matt Lindsey said. "First-generation students and students of color are more likely to graduate 鈥� and graduate on time 鈥� from nonprofit colleges like ours than other types of institutions. With diverse campus life experiences and robust academic programs, our network is designed to serve all students including adult learners, veterans, teachers, parents, faith leaders, and more."
About the KICF
Located in Topeka, the Kansas Independent College Foundation is a 501(c)3 that develops and enhances the competitive standing of its 20-member independent, non-profit, regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities and strives to assure opportunity and choice in higher education for all students. For more information on the foundation, please contact Jesyca Hope at 785-235-9877 or jesyca@kscolleges.org.
The 糖心视频 is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university
founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of
Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's
Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate
and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs.
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