Dr. Daniel T. Banks Scholarship
About the Endowed Scholarship
The Dr. Daniel T. Banks Scholarship was established by Dr. Daniel T. Banks, a prominent Bridgeport physician. This scholarship supports students who are pursuing a career in medicine.
Student Recipients
Mariah Daley '22
Hometown: Castle Pines, CO
Major: Biology
"Being at Sacred Heart University is like being at a second home. The people are so friendly and the professors would do anything for you. Being so far away from home, I thought I would feel extremely homesick during such a major transition. Through my team, professors, and friends, the transition was painless. Being a member of the SHU community is truly like being part of a family. The small school environment allows for everyone to get to know each other and we become one another's support systems.
My major is biology with a minor in chemistry on the pre-medical track. My ultimate goal would be to become an orthopedic surgeon after schooling. My major/minor is intended to help pass the MCAT as well as provide a foundation in a medical school. The biology major covers everything from microbiology to ecology to vertebral studies, allowing one to easily focus on what interests them most. My major advisor has also helped an extreme amount in finding opportunities to expand my learning in different environments, like a surgery internship.
Outside the classroom, I am a member of the SHU varsity women's lacrosse team. Playing lacrosse as well as pursuing a difficult major has taught me much about time management and balancing everything from studies to social life to sports. If the opportunity arises, I would love to volunteer, as I am a part of the RISE program through the lacrosse team, and volunteer at schools in Colorado when I am home.
To the donor, I owe you my sincerest gratitude. Paying for college has been difficult for my parents, as my mother is a middle school principal and my father helps run a small, family business. They love their professions and have managed to put three children through private high school and help pay for my college tuition. In looking towards my younger brother's graduation date from high school, every dime matters as he will also attend a private collegiate institution. I appreciate all you have done for my family and I cannot thank you enough for helping make my dreams come true."
Hussein Kafel '22
Hometown: Branford, CT
Major: Chemistry; Pre-Medical Tract
"What I love most about SHU and being a member of the SHU community is that everyone is accepting of everyone. It was very surprising to me because people weren't as accepting in high school and it was nice to be welcomed to SHU as a freshman in that manner. In addition, SHU has a smaller campus than other universities, so it feels that people actually care about you and that is a great feeling.
My professional goal is to become a doctor specializing in internal medicine. I am majoring in chemistry because a lot that goes on in the human body is a chemical reaction, and really all the sciences, including biology and physics, are involved in some way.
I am the Vice President of the American Chemical Society Club, which is a national organization. In addition, I will be volunteering at St. Vincent's Medical Center and hopefully doing research with one of the biochemistry professors. I'm also a big fan of playing and watching soccer.
I would like to thank you very much. This scholarship will help me financially, as college and medical school are very expensive. This will hopefully fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor. Thank you so much!"
Caroline Loiodice '22
Hometown: Saint James, NY
Major: Biology
"What I love most about SHU is the unlimited opportunities provided to each student along with the attentive help from teachers in the classrooms. I have access to all kinds of assistance whether it's a question about my major or needing something while I'm studying in the library. I love the sense of community and family that I experience while living on campus. I love the widespread of kindness throughout the entire campus and how easy it is to get involved in different activities.
My professional goals include pursuing either Veterinarian school or Medical school and one day become a doctor of medicine or veterinarian medicine. Choosing my major as Biology allowed me to become more involved in pursuing the career path I would like to take. So far the classes I have taken in science have provided a strong foundation for my pathway to my future ahead.
Outside of the classroom I mostly enjoy being involved in Greek life to establish more friendships. Greek life has also provided me with opportunities for community service, which I enjoy, and participate with friends who have similar interests. I also enjoy the endless amount of variety of clubs SHU has that let you get involved with interests outside of school.
I cannot thank you enough for this scholarship offered to me. Every dollar helps each step of the way. I have 3 other siblings and my parents work to no end to make us happy. This scholarship has made me more passionate about my school work and more determined to do the best I can."
Victoria Salvatore '21
Hometown: Manalapan, NJ
Major: Neuroscience
"The thing I love most about SHU is the openness of the community. No matter where you go on campus, you are always welcome to try anything on campus. Everyone is so inclusive and eager to make you feel like a part of the family. Since the first day of my pre-fall program two years ago, I have made friends that have become my family. Everyone works together on this campus to make it our home away from home. I also love the dedication of my professors. They have gotten to know me so well over the years, and seeing them take a genuine interest in their students' futures is so comforting to see. No matter where you go, you always see a smiling face on campus. Whether you know them from class, a close friend, a club, or your work study, there is always someone to smile at you and that is something I would not trade for the world.
In my last two years of high school, I had a peaked interest in the science field; however, my interest for science has continually grown after having a conversation with a family member that encouraged me to do some research of my own to explore the field. I genuinely enjoy my classwork and enjoy learning. With a major in neuroscience and a minor in chemistry, I am currently figuring out the path I want to go down. My professors, who are all experts in different parts of the science field, have been guiding me to find what is right for me. I am very interested in concussion prevention and CTE within sports and I would love to study that more. I also enjoy the idea of how the brain works and consumer behavior involving the brain. Whatever path I choose, I hope that I am able to help people and make an impact on their lives. At the end of the day, I want to help others in the best way that I can.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy Greek Life. My sorority's philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness and I wholeheartedly enjoy the work we do. We are constantly thinking of new ways to raise money for this philanthropy and it is something I am truly passionate about. As someone who is pursuing a career in the sciences, cancer research is something that interests me. The toll that the sickness takes on a family is awful and I want to be able to contribute to finding a cure. The work towards a world without cancer is something that I really care about and will continue to fight for in the future. I also take enjoyment in the clubs I am in - they give back to our community. One of those clubs is Love Your Melon, which helps pediatric cancer patients. It is truly a remarkable club that I am so thankful to be a part of. The other club that I am involved in is C2R, which is a restoration club for the city of Bridgeport. We are involved in cleaning up all different places, including parks and beaches. Many people think that they can not make a difference, but these clubs have shown me that you can make a difference. Even if it is just in one person's life.
If Dr. Banks was sitting across from me, I would first and foremost thank him for contributing to the future of my education. This gift is such a blessing to me and my family and I am so grateful to have been one of the students chosen for this scholarship. This scholarship truly helps my family in paying for my tuition as we are currently struggling with school payments. This gift is going to relieve stress off of my family and that is the most important thing to me. This hopefully will transcribe into me being able to study abroad, as my professors keep encouraging me that it is an amazing experience. This scholarship is a reminder to keep working hard, and even though it is a long road ahead, it will be an amazing journey and Dr. Banks' gift is something I will never forget."
Julia Scherer '21
Hometown: Township of Washington, NJ
Major: Biology
"What I love most about SHU is the ability to get involved on campus while still having the ability to excel in the classroom. The many resources that SHU has to offer allow all students to succeed in the classroom while still being able to fully immerse themselves within the community. Being able to find this balance is crucial to growing as an individual and making the most out of the very short 4 years that students have the privilege to spend here at Sacred Heart.
At a young age, I discovered my passion for science. I can remember asking for a microscope for my 11th birthday so that I could practice using it and observe different slides outside of my 6th grade class. This desire for knowledge and personal experiences with braces sparked my interest in the field of dentistry. In order to achieve this goal I declared a biology major with an honors and chemistry minor. As I am beginning to prepare for entrance exams, I have realized the true value of my Sacred Heart education. In addition to my day to day classes, being able to participate in research with one of the biology professors has challenged me in many different ways while also giving me the ability to gain hands on experience that will greatly assist me in future.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being a part of Student Ambassadors and Residential Life as a Freshman RSA. I am also involved in community service within the Bridgeport area, nationally, and internationally. During my freshman year at SHU I traveled to Dade City, Florida with our chapter of Habitat for Humanity and I recently had the amazing opportunity to travel to Guatemala through the Volunteer Programs & Service Learning office. I am extremely fortunate to have found multiple groups across campus that act as support systems and help me grow to be a better person every day.
If Dr. Banks was sitting across from me, I would thank him for his contribution to my education as well as the education of my peers. The cost of this education can often be discouraging. My parents have sacrificed a lot in order for me to be able to attend this university. Yet, they continue to act as my biggest support system despite the stress that comes along with working multiple jobs, having three other children to care for and other bills to pay. This contribution has helped my family in so many ways and I am forever grateful. This scholarship have motivated me to keep going even when things may seem tough. Dr. Banks acts as an inspiration for me to continue pursuing my dreams and passions."
Angelica Sidorowicz '22
Hometown: Trumbull, CT
Major: Biology
"The thing I love the most about SHU and being a member of the SHU community is being part of such an enjoyable community and environment. Each person brings their own diversity into this school which makes it more interesting being within all these people. The school also makes it a beautiful place to be because of such a pretty campus and all the things and activities you could do.
My professional goal is to have a career within the medical field. By having biology as my minor helps me open up to many opportunities as biology is a basis in all things in the medical field. Biology is also a broad enough area to try out different fields that fit within that category to know the specific field that I would want to go into.
I most enjoy doing community service and volunteering. By doing community service, it helps in doing things worthwhile for your community and turning it into a more positive and proud place to be. Volunteering on the other hand has given me more one on one time with people. Volunteering is something that you do on your own time and if you just aren't for it then you'll just be bored with yourself so when you do volunteering, you usually go head first. That way you are willing to do it which in turn helps with spending more time with people and the activity you are doing to help out.
I would really like to thank my donor for the Dr. Banks Scholarship. Every little help helps in furthering my education with what I want to do. This gift also helps in part with helping me believe that I can do what I want to do because you find me worthy of this gift which I would really like to thank you for."
Donate
To make a donation by check, make check payable to Sacred Heart University and mail to:
Sacred Heart University
University Advancement
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825