As students prepare for final exams and college administrators completes the details of their commencement ceremonies, time is dedicated to recognizing the corporations, individuals, families and groups that have committed funds to help students pursue a major and realize the dream of earning a degree. For many students, earning a degree is a step toward increasing economic mobility for themselves and their families. Jeffrey D. Senese, President, Caldwell University, and Steve Reynolds, President, Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey, and other campus administrators and donors celebrated the generosity that helps students successfully navigate their college journey and elevates student confidence in their major selection.
Caldwell University students Bhumika Shrestha, ’27 (left), and Onyekachi Osuagwu, ’27 (right), recipients of the Partners for Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship, shared the immeasurable difference the scholarship made during a year when the rigors of the nursing program needed to hold their attention rather than financial strains of going to college. Both students face the challenges of being far from home and the added expenses of housing and food. The scholarship bridges a gap to keep them mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for the challenges of becoming a nurse. Onyekachi also contributes her role an a Campus Ambassador as a resource for building her skills in providing comfort and confidence to people given her interactions with first year students who are unsure of their surroundings and working to find their way just as she has done. Bhumika shares this passion that no one should have to face uncertainty or navigate the healthcare system alone. Both are committed to becoming caring, compassionate and knowledgeable nurses.
Monika Chhetri, ’27 (left), CIC/UPS Scholarship recipient, has worked to make the most of her college years adding independent research early to her course of studies. At the recent ICUNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium held at Bell Works in Holmdel, Monika and her research partner, Joy Guirguis, ’26 (right), earned top honors for their presentation. The CIC/UPS Scholarship will help meet current expenses allowing Monika to continue as a Chemistry major. Though it was “definitely not love at first sight,” she did see students working on “amazing projects, and tackling environmental and industry challenges through chemistry. This became a motivator and confirmed her love of the field.
Scholarships help students in numerous ways. ICUNJ administered scholarships are stacked – applied above any existing aid to cover the cost of attendance which can range from tuition and fees to research expenses to licensing exam fees. Students benefit from the expenses that do not appear on a financial statement being met through ICUNJ administered awards.
Over 95% of independent college students in New Jersey rely on some form of financial aid to meet college costs – federal and state grants, campus work-study, scholarships and loans. A lack of sufficient funding strains mental health, interferes with academic focus, and limits time students can devote to experiential learning and volunteering to support development of communication, leadership and collaborative skills.
Every scholarship provides students with an opportunity to earn a degree without the burden of needing to pay back any funds. As the speaker at Caldwell’s Scholarship Donor Reception recognized, scholarships allow students to follow their interests and passions setting the foundation for a meaningful career. Graduates have the opportunity to select career opportunities based on personal fulfillment rather than financial status.
ICUNJ joins the scholarship recipients in recognizing the difference an award can make.
