William Randolph Hearst Scholarship
About the Endowed Scholarship
The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and is awarded to full-time undergraduate students with financial need. This scholarship aims to help economically-disadvantaged, underserved students to gain access to quality education.
Student Recipients
Kelly Aarons '21
Hometown: Bridgeport, CT
Major: Nursing & Psychology; Music Performance minor
"One thing I love about being a member of the SHU community is that I am able to be who I want to be and explore what I enjoy doing freely. I can study nursing while also being a musician. I can be an RSA and a leader in the community, and I have the opportunities to learn about myself throughout every experience. I am able to be a leader on campus in different forms and through everything I participate in I learn something new, whether it is academic or through personal growth. I also love that here at SHU, we have the type of community that cares for one another, we hold the doors open for each other, and we support those around us.
I would like to graduate and work as a pediatric trauma registered nurse. The nursing program here has allowed me to learn, grow, and explore my interests. I am also a Psychology major, which gives me a better understanding of my patients. I have a minor in Music Performance, which allows me to express my musical side and helps me grow personally as a musician and as a leader. Also, by participating in the Honors Program I learned that I am capable of more than I thought and the program has allowed me to do research in fields of my choice, giving me the opportunity to present it in front of the entire SHU community.
One outside classroom experience I love is being a part of the band program. I auditioned on flute and then decided I was going to be a drummer here at Sacred Heart. I have grown immensely both as a musician and leader. I have been challenged and each difficult piece of music has only made me better. I also love being an RSA in freshmen halls. This gives me the opportunity to meet new people and encourage them to grow and do their best.
I would like to say how thankful and grateful I am for allowing me to receive the scholarship you have generously given. I am a first generation college student from a low income household. I pay for college on my own and I work hard to do that while hoping to make my parents proud. It can be incredibly stressful to work, attend class, and balance a social life, but which a scholarship like this it only allows me to get closer to my goals and give back to my parents. I am incredibly thankful for what you have done to further my education and help me achieve my dreams for my future, it does not go unnoticed."
Sarah Idarraga '20
Hometown: Stratford, CT
Major: Health Science
"What I most love about SHU and being a member of the SHU community are all of the available opportunities that I am able to attain through being a student. Programs such as community service and other workshops have all helped me to come closer in preparing myself for my future career. Because of SHU, I have learned so much in the last two years and aspire to continue expand in knowledge as well as help others throughout the way.
My professional goals after I graduate is to enroll into an accelerated nursing program and become a registered nurse. My major is Health Science with a concentration in Public Health and through this profession I have learned tremendously of the health field and the different roles that play within it. Most importantly Public Health looks at how diseases can be prevented and how health can be improved in communities. As a future nurse, I will be treating individuals, enhancing their health, and expanding their knowledge on health thus impacting the community.
The experiences outside the classroom that I most enjoy is being able to participate in the community service program within the Greater Bridgeport area. I currently volunteer at Lifebridge Community Services and it’s an organization that helps people who are impacted by poverty and are also challenged by social and health issues. I have met a lot of new people through this organization and have seen how it can change the lives of others. I am proud and happy to volunteer at LifeBridge since serving others is my passion and I have grown exceedingly through this experience.
Thank you so much for your help on giving me this scholarship. Not only has it made it possible for me to study, but it has given me countless opportunities to become the person that I want to be. Being the first generation in my family to go to college in the USA, I feel privileged and grateful to be going to Sacred Heart and to be able to take part in receiving your gift. May God always bless you, thank you."
Mary Jovanelly '21
Hometown: Stratford, CT
Major: Marketing
"The Sacred Heart community is so welcoming; you can fit in no matter what your interests are. My goal is to work within the fashion industry. Through my marketing courses and internship, I was able to gain hands on experience and know that this is what I want to do. There are so many different clubs and I also love the study abroad programs, which I hope pursue next year. Anything to help me get towards my goal and future career is extremely appreciated. I am very grateful for this scholarship and I can't thank you enough for it."
Madison Laferriere
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Major: Marketing
"It is such a great feeling when you belong to a place that feels like a home away from home. I am always comfortable at SHU and love that everyone is so friendly and welcoming. My professional goal is to work in the Marketing or HR department of a hospital. I love organizing and planning events and being a Marketing major has taught me what it really takes to really research something, while my Communications minor allows me to use my creative side. I am currently part of the Delta Zeta chapter and am the Vice President of Membership. This position gives me the opportunity to have a head start in my career and also grow as a person. I am so thankful to be given this scholarship. I work really hard for my grades and everything else that is important to me and it is assuring that I know that my hard work is recognized. I am extremely grateful and do not know how I can ever thank you for believing in me."
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