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Holy Family

Named Scholarships and Special Awards

Scholarships at Holy Family have been established through the generosity of benefactors of the University, corporations, individuals, and foundations. The amounts and number of scholarships depend on annual income from endowment funds and annual gifts provided by donors and vary each year.

Students must apply for these awards by completing the Scholarship Application Form, available during the Fall semester on the Holy Family website www.holyfamily.edu. Usually, students must have completed at least one semester at Holy Family University before consideration is given for an award.

While many named scholarships are based on merit and include a variety of specific criteria, most also include consideration of financial need. It is in the student’s best interest to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file in the Financial Aid Office. This helps to document the student’s relative case for financial consideration as part of the competitive process. Policy may mandate that the FAFSA be on file to be considered for any named scholarship that includes need as a criterion; please check at the time of application. The Institutional Scholarship Selection Committee selects recipients of most named scholarships. Committee membership includes administrators, faculty, and staff.

The following are awards based on merit only, need only, or merit and need. Awards are given in varying amounts depending on available funding, and the eligibility of candidates to receive awards. Many scholarships have additional criteria, such as service, loyalty to the University, qualities of character, or pursuit of a particular academic major or career path.

Note that every scholarship is not offered every year. Awards depend upon candidate eligibility as well as available funds. New scholarships may be added at any time.

The Alumni Association Scholarship

Established in 1978 by the Holy Family University Alumni Association, this endowed scholarship is awarded to the children of Holy Family graduates. The recipients are at least sophomore students, have a satisfactory scholastic record, and give evidence of financial need. It is not renewable. The selection of this award is governed by the Alumni Association and the Director of Alumni and Parents.

The Amy's Fund Scholarship

The Amy’s Fund Scholarship honors the life and accomplishments of Amy Kligge Vengels ’98 and is funded annually through contributions from Amy’s Fund, a nonprofit organization, and other gifts from family, friends and admirers. It is awarded to a student with financial need who is active in student government or a student organization. Preference is given to students in the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions and students in the School of Business.

The John J. Barclay Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship honors the memory of John Barclay, controller and business faculty member at Holy Family from 1984 -1989. The scholarship, which was created by his family, is based on merit and need and is given to a student majoring in business and earning a grade point average of at least 3.0. The award varies in amount and is given annually to a student(s) exemplifying the qualities for which John Barclay will be remembered: integrity, loyalty, caring and dedication.

The Sister Marcella Binkowski, CSFN Scholarship for Meritorious Service

The Sister Marcella Binkowski, CSFN, Scholarship for Meritorious Service is awarded to an undergraduate student in recognition of their leadership and service within the Student Government Association.The recipient must have a grade point average of 2.5 or above and have been a Holy Family student for a least two semesters. Qualified candidates should possess strong leadership abilities in light of the mission and core values of the University. Financial need is also considered.

The Business Executive Advisory Board Scholarship

The Business Executive Advisory Board Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students in the School of Business with demonstrated financial need.

The Campus Ministry Award of Merit

The Campus Ministry Award of Merit, created by the Mission Effectiveness Team, recognizes and assists outstanding students who exhibit commitment to Gospel values through their service as members or affiliates of Campus Ministry. The award encourages students whose leadership results in new campus ministry initiatives, and/or whose pro-active contact enlist the help of others. The award also may be given to those not in leadership positions whose commitment and dedication supports campus ministry leaders and whose teamwork sets them apart as exemplary as well.

The Catholic Kolping Society Scholarship

The Catholic Kolping Society Scholarship was established in 2009 to assist students of German background (traced through one or both parents). In addition to the criteria of academic merit and financial need, consideration is given to the strength of the student’s German heritage. A Catholic education or other evidence of a heritage of Catholic faith is preferred.

The Gerardine Colgan Endowed Scholarship

The Gerardine Colgan Endowed Scholarship was established by Dennis Colgan, Chairman of the Board of Holy Family University, to honor his wife, Gerry, by assisting undergraduate students in need and of promise.. The scholarship favors graduates of Little Flower High School for Girls and requires evidence of the ability to do college-level work. It aims to discover a vision of excellence and achievement in the students' lives, and those whom others recognize as having the potential for success.

The Bruce Connor Memorial Scholarship for History

This scholarship honors the memory of Bruce Connor '76 and celebrates Bruce's passion for history, particularly local history. It is awarded annually to one or more students with demonstrated financial need who are majoring in history. Preference will be given to students involved in local history initiatives and activities.

The Professor DiPrimio Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Business Administration

This scholarship was created by Dr. Anthony DiPrimio, former Dean of the School of Business .Administration. Awarded annually, the scholarship is given to a student who is accepted unconditionally into the Human Resources Management Graduate Program in the Fall semester and who demonstrates the need for financial assistance

The Sister Bernadette Donahue, CSFN Scholarship

The Sister Bernadette Donahue, CSFN Memorial Scholarship was established by friends, family, and fellow employees of Sister Bernadette, to honor her goodness and dedicated service to the University in various capacities for 16 years. The scholarship is awarded to a graduate student with a high GPA enrolled in classes at Newtown.

The Extended Learning Emergency Scholarship

This emergency scholarship, funded by students, facilitators, staff members and alumni, in the Division of Extended Learning is awarded to students who find they are unable to continue their education due to unforeseen financial difficulty. Scholarships will be granted on an as-needed basis. Further information is available through written requests to the Director of Financial Aid.

The Faculty Senate Scholarship

The Faculty Senate Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates a continued contribution to the Mission and community of Holy Family University and scholastic promise. All full-time, part-time, and accelerated undergraduate students who do not receive need-based financial aid are eligible to petition for the scholarship. University faculty fund the scholarship and recommend the recipient.

The Sister Patrice Feher, CSFN Scholarship

Initiated by the Class of 1997 and continued through other funding, this scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior involved in a variety of University and community-related volunteer activities. The recipient must possess a grade point average of 3.0 or above.

The Frankford-Northeast Philadelphia Rotary Club Scholarship

Reflecting the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need and service to others. The recipient must be a resident of Northeast Philadelphia.

The Friend of the University Scholarship

Established in 2010, this endowed scholarship is awarded to a full-time, undergraduate student with a 3.0 grade point average or above on the basis of a strong work ethic and potential for success, service and caring for others, and financial need.

The Linda Gallagher Nursing Excellence Award

The family, faculty, and friends of Linda Gallagher created this award to honor her commitment to teaching and the principles which she exemplified as a faculty member in the University’s nursing division. This scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in nursing who exemplifies leadership, professionalism in scholarship and a spirit of service.

The Florence S. Gondek Memorial Scholarship

An endowed scholarship awarded annually by the Gondek families, it honors the memory of Florence S. Gondek, beloved wife of John Gondek, a long-time friend of Holy Family University. The award is based on merit and need and recognizes loyalty to the University and potential for success.

The Carl F. and Elizabeth M. Gregory Scholarship

The Carl F. and Elizabeth M. Gregory Scholarship is awarded to a student athlete on the basis of merit and need. It seeks to recognize and assist those who have distinguished themselves in their sport and in the classroom. The Gregorys have been benefactors of the University for more than 30 years.

The Dr. Jean C. Griswold Scholarship

In honor of Dr. Jean C. Griswold Founder of Griswold Special Care. This scholarship is awarded to a student on the basis of merit and need, recognizing the student’s accomplishments and encouraging the student to realize his or her professional goals.

The Sister Clara Grochowska Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to a student in the School of Education with demonstrated commitment to community service. The scholarship is funded by Dr. Linda Tinelli Sheive ’62 to honor the memory and accomplishments of her great aunt, Sister Clara Grochowska, CSFN, PhD, who served as Chair of the Foreign Language Department and also as Academic Dean during Holy Family’s early years.

The Jaye Grochowski Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was created in 1992 by the late Emanuel S. Kardon in honor of his secretary of 25 years, Jaye Grochowski, and is awarded annually. The scholarship recognizes academic merit and financial need as well as the qualities of character for which Jaye Grochowski is known: loyalty, dedication, service, caring, and commitment to Judeo-Christian values.

The Stanley and Regina Gwiazda Endowed Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established in 2008 by Marianne G. Bradley, in memory of her parents, Mr. Stanley J. and Regina R. Gwiazda. Mr. Gwiazda served Holy Family University and its students as an academic advisor for many years. The selection of this scholarship recipient is based on a combination of merit and financial need.

The James F. Higgins Annual Scholarship

The James F. Higgins Annual Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students who are majoring in accounting; have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better; have demonstrated Holy Family's mission and core values, and: have financial need.

The Christian and Bobby Himes-Viskovich Memorial Scholarship

The Christian and Bobby Himes-Viskovich Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of these two brothers in remembrance of their lives and talents. It is awarded on the basis of merit and need to a student who is taking or has taken art classes at Holy Family University.

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in America Merit Scholarship

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in America Merit Scholarship is awarded to a student of outstanding academic achievement, who is involved on campus and has significant need. Its purpose is to recognize, encourage and assist gifted students who persevere in their studies amidst financial and other challenges. The scholarship was established on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Congregation’s presence in America in 2010 and funded by the Holy Family Province, headquartered in Chicago, on behalf of all of the Sisters serving in America. Written applications are accepted at any time during the year and should be addressed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or University President.

The Holy Family University Benefactors’ Emergency Aid Scholarship

Established and maintained by contributions from anonymous donors, employees, trustees, and others, these awards are given to students whose financial need is high due to unforeseen economic circumstance. It is intended to enable a student to remain enrolled when a lack of financial assistance threatens withdrawal. There is no restriction on the student’s major or grade point average. Details and applications are available from the Director of Financial Aid.

The William J. Kellagher Memorial Scholarship

Students who display an unusual love of learning, commitment to academic achievement, and caring for others exemplified in their service, activities, character and attitudes are funded through this scholarship.These criteria reflect the life and principles of student "Bill" Kellagher who was awarded a degree in Humanities, posthumously, in 1990. The award is given to a full-time or part-time graduating Senior and favors the student majoring in the liberal arts.

The Kathleen Kumor Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship created by family and friends honors the memory of Kathleen Kumor, who graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1985. Based on merit and need, it is given to a Senior majoring in Education who exemplifies the qualities for which Kathleen Kumor will be remembered: enthusiasm, caring, promise, loyalty, and dedication.

The Adele Leboy Scholarship for Women in Science

The Adele Leboy Scholarship for Women in Science was established in memory of Adele Smythe Leboy, Chemistry major, Class of 1962, to encourage and assist women students whose academic achievement and commitment to careers in science indicate their ability to excel. The scholarship was created in 2006 by Adele’s husband, Edward Leboy, her business partner, Marcia Borysthen, colleagues, family, and friends and is awarded on the basis of academic merit and need.

The Sister Mary Lillian Memorial Scholarship

This award is given annually in memory of Sister Mary Lillian Budny, the third president (1972-1981), and professor of biology, at Holy Family from 1959 to 1979. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school Senior on the basis of academic merit, good character, scholastic promise, and financial need. The scholarship is non-renewable.

The John and Mary Szczepanik Machowski Scholarship

This endowed scholarship, established by their now deceased son, Casimir J. Machowski, is given to a student who values the freedoms of a citizen of the United States and lives them responsibly. In particular, attention is given to those who by their actions demonstrate the values of religious freedom, political involvement, or education.

The Jannette Maio Memorial Scholarship

The Jannette Maio Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Jannette Maio, a member of the Class of 2002. The scholarship was created through donations from Jannette’s parents and family. It is based on academic merit and is awarded annually to a Senior majoring in Humanities who demonstrates the qualities of character and special traits for which Jannette is remembered: love of people and a passion for helping others, enthusiasm and creativity, dedication and loyalty.

The Stanislaus J. Markiewicz Memorial Scholarship

This endowed scholarship is given in memory of Stanislaus J. Markiewicz, beloved brother of Theresa M. Krawiec. The award is based on academic merit and financial need and recognizes loyalty to the University and potential for success.

The Father Joseph McCafferty Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is based on financial need and is awarded to a student who maintains a 2.8 cumulative GPA, is involved in the athletic department and one other campus organization, displays both strong leadership qualities and has a good sense of humor. Five members of the Class of 1999 established this scholarship in Father McCafferty’s memory.

The Dr. Thomas James McCormick Scholarship

The scholarship honors Dr. Thomas J. McCormick, who taught English at Holy Family for twenty-nine years, and retired in 2000 as Professor Emeritus. This scholarship was established by a former student of Dr. McCormick to assist a full or part-time junior or senior on the basis of merit and financial need. Preference is given to students majoring in humanities disciplines or education specializing in a humanities area. The recipient must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a strong commitment to the humanities as a vocation.

The Robert F. McKeon Memorial Scholarship in Communications

This endowed scholarship was established in memory of Robert F. McKeon by his cousin, Walter H. McKeon. The scholarship is awarded to an English/Communications major, who is a Junior or Senior student and who plans a career in journalism or related fields. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit, need, and potential for success.

The WIlliam Melnick Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created by Marie Melnick in 2010 to honor her late husband, Bill, a Holy Family employee in Public Safety. It recognizes an outstanding men’s soccer player with financial need who maintains at least a 2.0 GPA while making steady progress toward degree completion.

The Sandra Michael Award for Scholar Athletes

The scholar athlete chosen as recipient will be a talented, organized, and disciplined student who knows that to excel in sports as well as studies one has to make sacrifices and use time and energy wisely. The award encourages students who are achieving the goal of being well-rounded students and recognizes them as models for their teammates. It is given to a full-time student who has displayed superior performance in one or more sports, and who has excelled academically.

The Family and Friends of Holy Family University Scholarship

Merit and financial need as well as a 2.5 or above grade point average are the basic requirements for students receiving this award. Additional criteria include service to others and involvement in campus activities and organizations, or volunteer work in the community, with special emphasis on leadership roles. An equally qualified candidate who is the son or daughter of an active member of the Parents and Friends of Holy Family University will be given preferred consideration. The recipient of the scholarship must accept a commitment to become involved with the Parents and Friends Organization as a volunteer-liaison with parents of students.

The Leona and Elvin Patterson Memorial Scholarship

Established by Sister M. Rita Partyka, CSFN, in memory of her sister, this award recognizes a non-traditional female student, whose college/university career was delayed by personal obligations involving humanitarian care.

The Coach Ray Perry Memorial Scholarship

The Coach Ray Perry Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 to honor the life and dedication of a beloved coach and mentor who shaped the lives of many athletes, fellow coaches and friends. Through this memorial scholarship, promising softball players at Holy Family University will be recognized and assisted in Coach Perry’s name. Criteria include dedication to the sport of softball and to academic studies, team spirit, and financial need. The scholarship is awarded upon recommendation by the Director of Athletics.

The Petrini Award

The award is given to a student concentrating in and demonstrating academic potential in any field of science.

The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company Achievement Award

This achievement award is given to a student who has excelled academically, has successfully balanced studies with extra-curricular activities, and displays accomplishment in all areas, including service to others. The financial award recognizes the student’s accomplishment and serves as an incentive to help the student realize his or her full potential.

The R-Way Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a full-time, female varsity basketball player and recognizes academic achievement, sportsmanship, dedication, and financial need. The donor is R-Way Gasket and Supply Company, Inc., located in the lower Frankford section of Philadelphia.

The John Redmond Memorial Scholarship

Honoring the memory of fallen Philadelphia firefighter John Redmond, a part-time, psychology student at Holy Family University, this scholarship is awarded to a part-time student majoring in psychology or the social and behavioral sciences and who exhibits the qualities that John Redmond possessed: scholarship, leadership, dedication, and service to his/her community.

The Dr. David G. Rice Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. David G. Rice Memorial Scholarship honors the late Vice President for Academic Affairs, who was a Greek and Latin scholar and served Holy Family University from 1997 through 2003. The scholarship is awarded to a student of high academic achievement, scholastic promise, and dedication to learning. It recognizes the student who distinguishes himself/herself intellectually and displays a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. It was established in 2011 by Dr. Rice’s widow, Teresa Cristofaro '94, a humanities major and former employee of the University for 13 years.

The Lawrence and Adrienne Riley History Award

Professor Emeritus Lawrence Riley, PhD, who retired from teaching history at Holy Family University in 2000, created this award in conjunction with his wife, Adrienne. The purpose is to promote greater interest in history at Holy Family University by granting a scholarship to the most outstanding current Holy Family Junior or Senior level History major. It is given at the recommendation of qualified candidates from the History faculty.

The Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation Scholarship in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration

This scholarship is awarded to Philadelphia firefighters who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the Fire Science and Public Safety Administration Program. Recipients of this scholarship are generally Junior and Senior level students. It is geared toward supporting students who will assume leadership roles in emergency management and safety administration.

The S.A.Y.S. Scholarship Award

The S.A.Y.S. Scholarship Award recognizes extraordinary students and their outstanding service achievements. It is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student in recognition of their leadership experience as a member of the S.A.Y.S. organization and their volunteer activities. The recipient must carry a grade point average of at least 2.5 or above and submit a qualifying essay as detailed in the scholarship application.

The Science is Beautiful Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students with demonstrated financial need, who have excelled in math or science at Holy Family University. The scholarship is funded annually by Mr. Vincent Frascatore ’90, Dr. Kimberly Heyer-Cuesta ’89, Dr. Keith Lafferty '89, and Dr. Prem Rabindranauth ’90 to honor the memory of their classmate, leader, and mentor, Dr. Susan Nowak, and in gratitude for the guidance, encouragement, and passion provided to all of them by Holy Family faculty and staff.

The School of Education Scholarship

The School of Education Scholarship is awarded to an education major with significant need. The scholarship was established in 2010 by School of Education faculty and staff, whose contributions to The School of Education Faculty and fund provide scholarships and other assistance in accord with approved guidelines.

The SPS Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship was awarded for the first time in 1995 through the generosity of the SPS Corporation Foundation in Jenkintown. It is given to a serious student with potential, who would benefit greatly from the financial assistance and encouragement it provides.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust Grants

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust, established under the will of William Wikoff Smith, awards these trust grants annually. Grants favor students with financial need, disadvantaged or minority students, and those with special needs. Awards are made to full-time students maintaining a grade point average of 2.5 or better and exhibit need and potential for success as well. Grants cover the full academic year and have the possibility for renewal. Recipients often have displayed caring and service toward others, reflective of the mission of the Smith Trust to better the Delaware Valley by helping those most in need.

The Southampton Window Cleaning and Janitorial Service Scholarship

The Southampton Window Cleaning and Janitorial Service Scholarship was established at Holy Family University in 2006 by the firm’s owners, the Geib Family, to provide recognition and encouragement and to assist a deserving student who maintains average or above average grades (2.5 GPA or above) and has shown perseverance and resourcefulness in meeting their responsibilities.

The Walter Swartz Memorial Scholarship

The Walter J. Swartz, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the family and friends of Walt Swartz, ’92, who served in the Athletic Department as student and alum for 20 years. The scholarship is awarded to a student who serves the Athletic Department with the same generous enthusiasm which Walt exhibited.

The Helen M. Swoboda and Theodore L. Swoboda Memorial Merit Scholarship in the Humanities

This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student majoring in any area of the humanities, with preference given to majors in English, Communications, Philosophy, or Psychology. Recipients must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above, and give evidence of serious volunteer engagement, either leadership and service on campus or in the community. Financial need is not the major criteria for selection, but there should be some documented need. The scholarship was established in 2010 by Margaret Swoboda Kelly, Vice President for Mission at Holy Family University, in memory of her parents.

The Anthony J. and Mary Ann Szuszczewicz Merit Scholarship

The Anthony J. and Mary Ann Szuszczewicz Merit Scholarship is awarded to a Holy Family University undergraduate student on the basis of academic merit and all-round excellence. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 is required. It is restricted to graduates of Nazareth Academy High School, the alma mater of Mary Ann. In the absence of qualified applicants from Nazareth Academy preference is given to a promising student majoring in nursing. The scholarship was established in 2008, by Mr. Szuszczewicz, a member of the University Board of Trustees.

The Dr. Bette Lewis Tokar Scholarship in Economics and Business Administration

Given for the first time in 1995, the scholarship is funded by Dr. Bette Lewis Tokar ’67, faculty member in Business Administration who retired in 2007. It recognizes and encourages serious students of economics and business administration who have shown achievement and potential as well as financial need.

The United Political Club Scholarship

An endowed scholarship, the award was first given in 1992, and thereafter, annually, to a Holy Family University student who is of Polish descent (the son or daughter of either mother or father of Polish lineage/background). Awards are made on the basis of need and merit.

The Samuel and Edith Veitz Endowed Memorial Co-op Education Scholarship

Created by family and friends, this scholarship honors Samuel and Edith Veitz, parents of Sister M. Frances Veitz, CSFN, EdD, Director of Cooperative Education. It is awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need to a co-op or internship student who has successfully completed at least one semester at a work-site related to his/her academic major.

The Sister Frances Veitz Award

The Sister Frances Veitz Award is presented annually to a student who has distinguished themselves through service to the cooperative education honor society, Kappa Theta Epsilon. The Institutional Scholarship Selection Committee reviews recommendations for this award.

The Marion Ahrens Von Rosenstiel Scholarship

The family and friends of Marion Von Rosenstiel created this memorial scholarship to honor her life’s commitment to teaching and the principles to which she dedicated her creative energies as a member of the English Department from 1964 to 1987. The endowed scholarship is awarded to a Junior majoring in English or Communications and is based on academic merit and scholastic promise. It is given only when the English and Communications faculty recommends an exceptional student.

The Sister Florianne Zacharewicz, CSFN, PhD, Scholarshipt

An endowed scholarship, the award provides partial tuition to a full-time undergraduate Senior who is a concentrator in Psychology. The scholarship is awarded to students on the basis of academic achievement with a 3.5 GPA and participation in scholarly or service activities in Psychology, especially activities on campus related to the profession.

The Stephen Zalewski Memorial Scholarship

Established by Sister Aloysius Sabacinska, CSFN, PhD, and her family, this endowed scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need, loyalty to the University, and potential for success. Sister Aloysius was the second president of the University (1959-1971), and continued to serve as records assistant and data entry specialist in Continuing Education from 1984 until she retired in 2002. The award honors the memory of her beloved brother-in-law, Stephen.