���ϲʿ�

The Benedictine Scholars Program started in the fall of 2012 to promote a deeper understanding of the Catholic, Benedictine values and heritage that define the University. The Benedictine Scholars serve as ambassadors for the core values of the institution—faith, reason, service, and community—both within our campus community and in the world. 

“We are honored to welcome this new group of exceptional students into the Benedictine Scholarship program,” said Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Patty Lemon. “Each recipient has demonstrated a passion for learning and a commitment to making a positive impact, and we are delighted to provide the resources to support their academic journey. This scholarship is more than just financial support; it’s a commitment to nurturing the values of faith, leadership and service. We look forward to witnessing their achievements and growth into changemakers who lead with heart on our campus and in our wider community." 

The 13^th cohort of Benedictine Scholars are: 

• Emelia Ryan Blas from River Ridge High School, Lacey, WA, will major in Business Administration 

• Keith Zachary Corook from North Kitsap High School, Poulsbo, WA, will major in Nursing 

• Joachim Killian from Kubasaki High School – Department of Defense, Okinawa, Japan, will major in History 

• Justin Lulay from Valley Catholic High School, Beaverton, OR, will major in Mechanical Engineering 

• Savannah Magee from Ilwaco High School, Chinook, WA, will major in Elementary Education 

• Kadence Merritt from Kamehameha Schools: Maui Campus, Makawao, HI, will major in Pre-Physical Therapy 

• Melinda (Mindy) Moradi from Glencoe High School, Cornelius, OR, will major in Environmental Studies 

• Edgar Jarron (EJ) Ramones from Maui High School, Kihei, HI, will major in Mechanical Engineering 

• Haven Sorgen from Bellingham High School, Bellingham, WA, will major in Elementary Education 

• Mary Wilson from Spanaway Lake High School, Tacoma, WA, will major in Business Administration 

The mission of the Benedictine Scholars Program is to cultivate exceptional undergraduate student leaders who embody the Benedictine values to inspire and transform ���ϲʿ� through study of the rule of Benedict amidst intentional community, exploration of faith, service and academic success.  

"Part of what makes the Benedictine Scholars program so special is the opportunity it provides for students to engage intentionally with the Benedictine values at the heart of our University,” said Sam Fox, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and the faculty advisor for the incoming cohort. “Scholars participate in programming specially designed to cultivate a deep understanding of and capacity for peace, justice, respect for persons, listening, stewardship and our other core values that have so much to offer for the common good of our community. We are excited to begin mentoring this new cohort of scholars on their journey of becoming.” 

Faculty and staff members representing numerous departments throughout the University evaluated over 200 candidates for the Benedictine Scholars Program. Those selected are typically students whose exceptional academic records are matched by their leadership experiences, their contributions to the life of their school or faith communities and their service to individuals and groups. Each scholar selected for the honor receives $10,000 in additional scholarship support on top of other financial aid per year, renewable for four years of study.   

For additional information contact:

Nate Peters, MBA, Vice President of Marketing & Communications and Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Nick Coffman, MA, Director of Campus Ministry & Advisor for Benedictine Scholars Program

Sam Fox, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology & Faculty Advisor for Benedictine Scholars Program