THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 12 | OCTOBER 25, 2019
SHINE spotlights grads old and new
PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE
Natashia Banks returned to college in order to set an example for her daughter. Donnelly College’s small class sizes and personal contact with the teachers contributed to her completing her associate degree earlier this year. By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Mo. — Though talented and intelligent, Natashia Banks lacked the motivation to complete her college education. But when this young, single mother saw her daughter losing interest in school, she knew she had to set an example. So, she applied to college again — and discovered Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. Banks was one of two scholar speakers featured at Donnelly’s annual fundraiser SHINE held on Oct. 10 at the Sheraton Kansas City-Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. “One of the first differences I experienced at Donnelly was the fact that all new students had to meet with their adviser at least twice within that first semester,” said Banks. “That was very beneficial.” She was also impressed with the small class sizes and the fact that teachers knew and cared about their students.
Save the date DATE: Oct. 15, 2020 TIME: 5:30 - 9 p.m. LOCATION: Sheraton Kansas City-Crown Center, 2345 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri Donnelly College relies on SHINE for the $350,000 in institutional scholarships it awards each year and its mission fund which allows it to keep tuition at $7,000.
PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE
Brother Martin Navarro, SSA, a 2019 Donnelly graduate, was a musician before deciding to abandon a music career and dedicate his life to God. Brother Martin found the community he needed to support his dream at Donnelly College. Banks completed her associate degree in 2019 and now, with the help of a presidential scholarship, is working on her bachelor’s in the business leadership program. “Being a scholarship recipient here at Donnelly has been very
meaningful to me,” she said. “I work multiple jobs and not having to worry about how I’m going to pay for classes and books was a weight lifted off my shoulders.” Brother Martin Navarro, SSA, another 2019 Donnelly graduate, fascinated
the SHINE audience with his story of being a 19-year-old musician studying at Belmont University in Tennessee. Though touted as “the next big guitarist in Nashville,” Brother Martin was not satisfied with his life. “I became aware that the dream I had dreamt wasn’t exactly the reality,” he said. “Something was still missing.” When he decided to give up his music career and devote his life to God, Brother Martin found the community he needed to support his >> See “DONNELLY” on page 4