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Saint Louis University Scholarship Recipient Profiles

You Can Be the Reason SLU Students Excel

When you support Saint Louis University, you not only help alleviate financial burdens for students but also unlock doors to boundless opportunities. Each student’s college and career aspirations are fueled by the exceptional generosity of people who believe in the power of education to shape tomorrow's leaders. Donors like you are the catalysts who propel SLU students toward realizing their fullest potential and are the reason they can shape a brighter future for themselves and society as a whole.

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A male student reads from a book at a table in thel library.

Jaylen Riley, a Saint Louis University School of Law student, studies in the library of Scott Hall. "Saint Louis University is incredibly involved in our community, and that's something that I definitely appreciate," Riley said. "Our professors are giving back to the community. Our donors are in the community. I don't think I would have gotten that experience elsewhere."

Meet the Students You Support

You are why students of all economic backgrounds can access Saint Louis University's world-class Jesuit education, and the profound impact of your gift may be best understood through the eyes of our many scholarship recipients. 

Meet just a few Billikens who benefit from your support below and learn how gifts to SLU advanced their college and career goals.

Faith Whatley-Blaine poses for a photo in front of a brick wall.

The generosity of SLU donors is helping Faith Whatley-Blaine graduate with less student debt, allowing her to prioritize her goal of helping others instead of choosing a concentration based solely on income. 

Read Faith's Story

Prosperity Meade poses for a photo wearing a white lab coat in a nursing classroom.

Prosperity Meade started SLU working to pay part of her tuition herself. Scholarships allowed her to spend more time studying and enjoying student life on campus. Learn how donor dollars helped transform this nursing student's SLU experience. 

Read Prosperity's Story

Eric Piening works in a lab, wearing a white lab coat and goggles.

Eric Piening’s affinity for science and service led him to pursue a premed curriculum at Saint Louis University. His experiences here are not only deepening those passions but also preparing him for a lifetime of serving others in his community. Donors help make it possible.

Read Eric's Story

Gael Cosgaya sits at a table at the School of Business

Even when Gael Cosgaya’s parents had nothing, his family was able to contribute something, the Saint Louis University junior says. That lesson in giving and not counting the cost influenced Gael’s faith and educational pursuits, including his decision to attend SLU, work hard and give whatever he can to others.

Read Gael's Story

Caroline poses for a photo wearing her white lab coat against a brick wall.

Thanks to the generosity of SLU donors, Caroline Kaczmarek can continue her volunteer efforts without worrying about balancing academics with a part-time job. She can work to improve lives without being overwhelmed by the cost of medical school.

Read Caroline's Story

Jaylen poses for a photo in the law library.

SLU LAW's Civil Advocacy Clinic clients are often isolated and experiencing trauma. Working with lawyers who resemble them can make a difference, says Jaylen Riley, president of the SLU Black Law Students' Association. Financial assistance that increases access to higher education helps make that possible.

Read Jaylen's Story

Malaisyah Vann poses for a photo wearing a blue Saint Louis University sweatshirt.

Financial support from donors allowed  Malaisyah Vann to explore and find the right fit. Although she came in as a psychology major, she said exploring classes like Issues in Corrections and Issues in Jurisprudence allowed her to contemplate laws and how they affect people. Without scholarships, however, she may never have been able to explore those options.

Read Malaisyah's Story

Mariangela Acosta poses for a photo next to a bin of colorful hula hoops, balls and cubes.

SLU’s nationally ranked, five-year bachelor’s-to-master’s track for occupational therapy and meaningful service opportunities caught Mariangela Acosta's attention. As an advocate, Acosta is frequently invited to speak to peer groups where she shares what it’s like to be a Deaf student in a hearing community. 

Read Mariangela's Story

Esme Garcia poses for a photo in front of a chalkboard.

When Esme Garcia, a first-generation college student who identifies as Latina, witnessed the impactful connections her elementary school teacher made with each student, she was inspired to follow in her footsteps. Now a senior in Saint Louis University’s School of Education, she aspires to create a welcoming environment for her future students, regardless of their background.

Read Esme's Story

A medical student poses for a photo in a doctor's office simulation lab.

Patients come from all backgrounds. Doctors should too, says Larry Yang (MED '24). But in medical schools and the medical field, diversity is not always well represented, often due to cost as a barrier to entry, said Yang, a past recipient of the Mr. and Mrs. Roland Pattillo Endowed Scholarship.

Read Larry's Story

Emma Kidwell poses for a photo

As a first-generation college student and the oldest of three children, Emma Kidwell’s most significant concerns about attending SLU focused on affordability without incurring substantial debt, balancing work and her classes and saving enough money to attend graduate school. Thanks to SLU’s donors, she received the financial support she needs to fulfill her aspirations.

Read Emma's Story

Miit Shah poses for a photo outside on campus.

Before going to college, Miit Shah, a Saint Louis University public health major on a pre-med path, worried about the amount of loans he’d have to take out for his education and how he would pay them back after completing his degree. Scholarship support allowed him to prioritize his goals.

Read Miit's Story

Ann Kelly poses for a photo at a laptop.

Ann Kelly says you never know where life is going to take you. A student in SLU's School for Professional Studies' Leadership and Organizational Behavior program, Kelly will be the first in her family to graduate with a traditional college degree, but her path to becoming a Billiken wasn’t direct.

Read Ann's Story

 


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