Scholarships help Saint Paul College students overcome financial barriers, earn degrees, and pursue meaningful careers. Saint Paul College highlights the incredible impact of scholarships by hosting an annual Scholarship Reception. This year’s celebration on October 6 brings together students, scholarship donors, faculty, staff, and college leaders to recognize the transformative power of educational support.

In this year alone, more than $392,000 in scholarships were awarded to 241 students.

Scholarship recipients had the opportunity to meet and thank the donors whose generosity is helping make their educational goals possible. Between conversations, President Dee Dee Peaslee, Austin Calhoun, and other community members addressed the room. Among the speakers were two students, Thanh Hien Tran and Felicia Jones, who shared their educational journeys and reflected on how scholarship support has helped them pursue their goals.

Thanh Hien Tran, a sophomore in the Accounting AAS program, spoke about returning to school after working full-time. She credits Saint Paul College’s supportive faculty and advisors, as well as the We Thrive program, for helping her balance work, family, and academics.

Facing significant financial challenges, Thanh Hien said scholarships made it possible for her to continue her education and focus on her studies. The support has helped her excel academically, earning a 4.0 GPA and Dean’s List recognition. After completing her degree, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and become a Certified Public Accountant. Inspired by the support she has received, she hopes to one day give back to her community and help others achieve their educational goals.

I realize that I’m not alone walking through my educational path and that I have support from instructors, advisors, and staff across Saint Paul College who are helping me reach my goals.

– Thanh Hien Tran

Felicia Jones, a student in the Health Science Broad Field AAS program, shared her inspiring journey from growing up in Chicago public housing to pursuing higher education at Saint Paul College. Receiving a scholarship was a meaningful milestone for both Felicia and her children, demonstrating that circumstances do not define one’s future.

Driven by a passion for helping others, Felicia plans to continue her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse. She expressed gratitude for the resources and encouragement she has found at Saint Paul College, especially through the We Thrive program and her mentor, Amanda Yang.

School for me has always been an outlet for me to always know that there are some resources. There are places that care.

– Felicia Jones

The event served as a powerful reminder of how scholarship support helps students overcome barriers, achieve academic success, and build brighter futures.