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Submitted by Saint Martin’s University

Ten incoming Saint Martin’s University first-year students have been selected to serve as the seventh cohort of Benedictine Scholars. The University’s Benedictine Scholars Program started in the fall of 2012 with the mission 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 the University and in the wider world.

Benedictine Scholars serve their communities, meet in small groups and work on a project of their cohort’s own choosing. Projects completed by recent Benedictine Scholars cohorts have included the restoration and re-installation of the Stations of the Cross throughout the Saint Martin’s campus and the creation of a large Saint Martin’s-themed mural. Through the program’s service-learning component, the Benedictine Scholars will engage in 60 hours of service in the wider community, integrate the service experience into academic exploration in special courses and reflect on the experience with their Scholar community. Scholars also volunteer for Saint Martin’s events such as Open Houses, the Gala and Commencement.

Floraliza Bornasal, Ph.D., faculty advisor for the Benedictine Scholars program noted, “The Scholars embody Benedictine values through their leadership in various avenues on campus, service to their communities, and dedication of pursuing knowledge in the classroom.  I’m excited to see this newest cohort continue our tradition of hospitality, justice, listening, dignity of work, stewardship, stability and other Benedictine values as they purse their undergraduate education at Saint Martin’s University.”

Angela Carlin, M.Div., director of campus ministry, is the staff advisor for the Benedictine Scholars program. “The Benedictine Scholars, through their experience of community living, immersion in the Benedictine way of life and commitment to service, exemplify our Benedictine values in a way that supports, encourages and leads our wider community,” she said. “Through their presence, example and commitment they promote a deeper understanding of our mission among our student body. I am delighted to welcome these new cohort of scholars and eager to see how their gifts and talents take root, grow and flourish in our community.”

Faculty and staff members representing numerous departments throughout the University evaluated more than 140 candidates for the Benedictine Scholars program. Those selected are typically students whose 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 $29,600 to $39,000 in total scholarship support per year, renewable for four years of study.

The seventh cohort of Benedictine Scholars are:

  • Dagny Ahrend, Ephrata, who is graduating from Ephrata Senior High School and will major in political science
  • Christopher Carlisle, Rochester, who will graduate from Rochester High School and will major in mechanical engineering
  • Hannah Erwin, Aberdeen, who is set to graduate from Aberdeen High School and will major in psychology
  • Lauren Chung, Honolulu, Hawaii, who will graduate from Sacred Hearts Academy High School and will major in business administration
  • Zachary Hansen, Shelton, who is set to graduate from Washington Virtual Academy School and will major in communication studies
  • Ian James Yadao, Waipahu, Hawaii, who is graduating from Waipahu High School and will major in mechanical engineering
  • Madeleine O’Neil, Woodland, who will graduate from Woodland High School and will major in educational studies
  • Shannen Sakai, Pearl City, Hawaii, who is graduating from Pearl City High School and will major in biology
  • Cesar Sandoval, Orting, who will graduate from Orting High School and will major in educational studies
  • Katelynn Gulley, Tacoma, who is set to graduate from Curtis Senior High School and will major in communication studies

Saint Martin’s University is an independent, four-year, coeducational university located on a wooded campus of more than 300 acres in Lacey, Washing­ton. Established in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 14 Benedic­tine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University prepares students for successful lives through its 25 majors and seven graduate programs spanning the liberal arts, business, education, nursing and engineering. Saint Martin’s welcomes more than 1,300 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its Lacey campus, and more students to its extended campus located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Visit the Saint Martin’s University website at www.stmartin.edu.

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