ACCENT ON AVILA
“My parents cried. I am here on a full ride.” $1.5 Million Grant for Radiologic Science Scholarships
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vila University’s radiologic science program provides students with an unparalleled education. In the last five years, more than 90% of students have passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (AART) certification and registration on their first attempt. Thanks to a new grant that exceeds $1.5 million, additional scholarships are now available to 10 first-year and continuing or transferring students each fall. The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be awarded over the next four years, but the impact will be felt for a lifetime. “I found out the day I got here that I had been awarded the scholarship,” said
ABOVE: Radiologic Science student, Kaliana Chrisman
Kaliana Chrisman, a St. Louis freshman. “That was a giant help. My parents cried. So along with my other scholarships, I am here on a full ride. It’s awesome.” The scholarships are intended for first-generation students and students with severe financial hardships so that they may focus on their education and limit the amount of loan debt needed. Ashlyn Hull ’’08, MS, Ed., RT (R)(CT), program director and chair of radiologic science said, “These scholarships will have a significant impact on our students and their futures. We are forever grateful to HRSA for providing our students with this opportunity. The positive impact this will have on the community will be felt for years.”
Disclaimer: This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under award number T08HP30208-01-00 and Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students amount of $1,526,000. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. government.
Eight New STEM Scholarships
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ased on Avila’s proven track record for success in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, the university has received a new grant from the National Science Foundation. This grant allows for eight academically competitive STEM scholarships for first year students entering fall 2017 and eight more entering fall 2018. The scholarships are earmarked for high achieving students who demonstrate financial need and are majoring in biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, computer science and software engineering. Renewable for four years, the typical amount for these
2 Accent | SPRING 2017
competitive scholarships range between $6,000 and $10,000. Avila will use this grant to provide more opportunities to students who may not have been able to pursue their STEM dreams without assistance. Dean of the School of Science and Health, Larry Garrison Sullivan, Ph.D., is happy Avila can offer these scholarships. “It is fitting that Avila’s mission and values are to help talented students who may be economically disadvantaged,” Sullivan said. “I am excited to be able to bring these new STEM students to Avila.”
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