Supporting Future Leaders
Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest endowments at the University, providing crucial financial support to numerous students. The scholarship has been a lifeline for many, offering recipients the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams despite daunting financial challenges.
Here are the stories of three Brooklyn Campus students who have greatly benefited from this transformative scholarship.
Driven by Determination
Ms. Bhandari, president of the South Asian Association at St. Joseph’s University, is the first in her family to pursue higher education and to move away from home. Growing up in a middle-class family in Nepal, she was raised by her grandmother while her parents worked hard to provide for the family. Her father, the breadwinner, recently faced serious health challenges, making Ms. Bhandari’s academic journey even more difficult.
Despite these obstacles, her determination never wavered. A double major in economics and mathematics, she chose these fields to understand money flow and management, driven by a desire to open a company in Nepal with her father. The Class of 1969 scholarship was pivotal for Ms. Bhandari. It covered essential expenses her family couldn’t afford, allowing her to continue her education. “If I had not received this, my education journey would have been stopped before it began,” she said. Her story is one of resilience and gratitude, as she continues to strive for excellence and aims to make a significant impact in her home country.
From Dreams to Reality
Ms. Sultana’s journey from Bangladesh to New York was fraught with challenges. Bullied in high school and longing for a place where she could thrive without judgment, she set her sights on studying abroad. After numerous setbacks, she arrived in Brooklyn in 2022, eager to pursue a degree in accounting. Her dream of becoming a certified public accountant fuels her academic efforts. The scholarship eased her financial burden, letting her focus on classwork and campus activities. “The scholarship allowed me to embark on my academic journey without having to worry about the financial burden on my shoulders,” said Ms. Sultana, who is active in the Campus Activities Board, Muslim Student Association and Accounting Society Club.
Inspired to Help
Ms. Cabrera earned a bachelor’s in speech pathology and audiology in May. She credits her scholarship with significantly easing her financial burden during a demanding senior year. “It helped me a lot financially,” she said. “I was struggling a little in the fall, applying to grad schools, and couldn’t work as much because of my internship.” The scholarship reduced her stress, and let her focus on her academic and professional goals. Ms. Cabrera, who lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the oldest of three children. She became motivated to pursue a career in speech pathology after witnessing her younger brother benefit from speech therapy. She aspires to become a bilingual clinician in the medical field. She was a member of Beta Upsilon Delta, the Poder Latino Club, and the campus chapter of NSSLHA, and worked in the Office of Admissions.