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���ϲʿ� has selected Stephanie Foster, Isabelle Pope and Grace Russell as recipients of the 2024 Trustee Scholarship, one of the most prestigious honors given by the University to incoming transfer students. Each year three scholarships are awarded to exceptional transfer students who embody the University’s commitment to academic excellence, community service and the Benedictine values that are at the heart of ���ϲʿ�’s. 

"We broke another record this year as we had the highest number of applicants in the history of the Trustee Scholarship!” shares Caitlin Gordon, assistant director of transfer admissions. “This speaks to how important scholarship opportunities are to our students, but it is also a testament to the number of high achieving, dedicated students who choose ���ϲʿ�'s. This year's candidates made the decision process very difficult for our committee, as every student showcased skills and qualities of the highest caliber. Grace, Isabelle and Stephanie are passionate and motivated to improve their lives and the lives of those around them, and we hope this scholarship gives an extra boost to help them succeed. We are honored that they are continuing their education with us and are looking forward to hearing about the continued good they will do in the world."   

Stephanie Foster, from Spanaway, Washington, is transferring from Pierce College, where she was pursuing her associate of arts degree in pre-nursing. At ���ϲʿ�'s she will earn a bachelor's degree in nursing and aims to work in oncology or hospice after graduation. “Cancer patients and their families are my heart and my passion!” says Foster. “I am so thankful for the opportunity that this Trustee Scholarship has given me, and I look forward to learning everything I can to serve my patients while making lifelong nursing friends along the way.” She loves to cook, bake and garden, and is currently combining these interests to grow herbs for use in her recipes.  

Isabelle Pope is originally from the Northern California Bay Area and lived in South Korea and Florida before moving to Washington State. There she recently earned her associate degree from Hillsborough Community College, where she studied Allied Health. She will be joining the nursing program at ���ϲʿ�’s and plans on using her degree to work in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting.  Reflecting on the future she plans to build, Pope states, “I really want to act as a mentor for others so they can also find ways to improve their lives and financial well-being through education and service to others. During my time at ���ϲʿ�’s, I hope to learn as much as possible from my instructors and colleagues and to make lifelong friends in an environment that equally prioritizes education and a focus on others.” She is an avid hiker, camper and reader of philosophy and poetry who cannot pass up a good bargain and loves to repurpose old furniture.  

Grace Russell, from Yakima, Washington, is transferring from Yakima Valley Community College, where she obtained her associate's degree in arts. At ���ϲʿ�’s she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. After graduating she hopes to begin her teaching career in a Title 1 elementary school. Envisioning this new chapter of her life, Russell shares, “I eagerly anticipate furthering my education at ���ϲʿ�’s, learning the skills necessary to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment conducive to the success of all my students. Additionally, I'm thrilled to continue my athletic journey as a member of the women’s soccer team!” 

Trustee Scholarships are reserved for students transferring to ���ϲʿ� from a community college or university with a junior academic standing and a 3.5 grade point average or higher. Each Trustee Scholar receives a $30,000 scholarship, which is renewable for a second year of study.   

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.