Patch Whiz Kids: Marianjoy Scholarship Recipients

Names: Harper Rowland, Molly Farrell and Katie McElheney. 

Grade: Recent high school grads

Accomplishment: Rowland, Farrell and McElheney were three of 22 students who received $50,000 in scholarships for post-high school education in the greater Chicago area by the Marianjoy Scholarship Program. The students, some of which are former Marianjoy patients, are attending colleges and universities all across the country including the University of Illinois, University of Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State University, DePaul University, Southern Illinois University, Arizona State University, Western Illinois University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Loyola University, among others. 

For nearly 40 years, Marianjoy has remained an advocate for individuals living with a disability. Though pursuing a college degree is not easy for anyone, doing so while living with a physical disability requires an even greater degree of determination, stamina and focus which is why the Marianjoy Scholarship Fund was established. This year’s recipients include young men and women studying dentistry, information systems, architecture, medicine, broadcasting, and teaching.  

The Marianjoy Scholarship Program combines the Bruce A. Schurman Endowment Fund (named after the former president and CEO of Marianjoy) and the Marianjoy General Scholarship Fund. Marianjoy plans to grow the endowment from the current level of $75,000 to $250,000 over the coming years. The interest earnings on those funds will be used to provide future annual scholarships in perpetuity.  

“Funding for all scholarship awards is provided through generous donations from individuals, families, corporations, the Marianjoy Auxiliary, and other organizations,” explains Will Gillett, Chairman of the Marianjoy Stewardship Committee. “Our goal is to provide as many scholarships as possible each year to well-qualified students.”