Submitted by Saint Martin’s University
Saint Martin’s University selects 10 first-year students to serve as the 12th cohort of Benedictine Scholars. The Benedictine Scholars Program started in the fall of 2012 with the mission to promote a deeper understanding of the Catholic, Benedictine charisms and heritage that defines Saint Martin’s University. Each scholar selected for the program receives a $10,000 scholarship on top of other financial aid per year, renewable for four years of study.
“What sets this year’s cohort of Benedictine Scholars apart is not only their academic achievements but also their exceptional character and compassion,” shared Saint Martin’s University Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Patty Lemon. “Each and every one of the Benedictine Scholar recipients demonstrated a profound understanding of the power of collaboration and the strength that lies in nurturing hospitality and embracing community.”
The 12th cohort of Benedictine Scholars are:
- Delany Donaldson is from Gonzaga Preparatory School (Spokane Valley, Wash.) and plans to major in Pre-Law.
- Bianca Frank is from Gonzaga Preparatory School (Spokane Valley, Wash.) and plans to major in Secondary Education.
- Miguel Gomez is from Mossyrock High School (Mossyrock, Wash.) and plans to major in Computer Science.
- Meridee Hill is from Yelm High School (Roy, Wash.) and plans to major in Educational Studies.
- Cameron Kreider is from Ridgeline High School (Greenacres, Wash.) and plans to major in Business Administration.
- Elijah Lewis is from Yelm High School (Yelm, Wash.) and plans to major in Psychology.
- Xavier Quismondo is from Waianae High School (Waianae, Hawaii) and plans to major in Civil Engineering.
- Crysania Saballa is from Kapolei High School (Kapolei, Hawaii) and plans to major in Nursing.
- Sara-Edith Saimon is from Xavier High School (Weno, Micronesia) and plans to major in Business Administration.
- Mia Zachary is from West Salem High School (Independence, Ore.) and plans to major in Psychology.
The Benedictine Scholars serve as ambassadors of the core themes of the institution—faith, reason, service, and community—both within our campus community and in the wider world. This cohort will be led by Faculty Advisor and Associate Professor of Psychology Jeremy Newton, Ph.D., and Director of Campus Ministry, Nick Coffman.
“We are thrilled to welcome our incoming cohort to Saint Martin’s University,” said Jeremy Newton, Ph.D. “The Benedictine Scholars Program is designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals through service learning, leadership, and an exploration of our Benedictine values. Nick and I look forward to working with the new scholars as they embark on their academic journey.”
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 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.
