|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.06.04 Marlo McDonald E.B. Kennedy Scholarship semifinalists, parents visit Erskine campus Nearly 140 E.B. Kennedy Scholarship semifinalists and their parents visited the Erskine College and Seminary campus Friday and Saturday. The students are vying for the two most prestigious scholarships offered by the college. Students represented South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and Maine. Named in honor of beloved Erskine alumnus, teacher and respected minister Dr. E.B. Kennedy, two full scholarships are awarded to high school seniors demonstrating leadership and service in their communities, churches and schools. The value of each scholarship, over four years, currently exceeds $95,000, Director of Admissions Bart Walker said. E.B. Kennedy Scholars must excel in four areas: Christian commitment, scholastic achievement, vigorous outlook and leadership potential. During the two-day visit to the Due West campus, semifinalists heard presentations by college officials and attended a Friday luncheon and a faculty fair. The students were interviewed by a group of panelists and were taken on tours of the campus. Parents also toured the campus. Interviews with students are conducted by four-member panels made up of high school guidance counselors, Erskine faculty and staff, and Erskine alumni. From the initial group, 24 students are selected to return in January for the Finals, during which students will go through another interview process, this time involving two committees. From that group, the two EBK Scholars are selected. “It was a great weekend for everyone involved,” Walker said. “The prospective students enjoyed spending time on our campus and participating in the interview process. “The alumni participating as interviewers enjoyed interacting with future Erskine students and seeing the campus again while the guidance counselors left with a deep appreciation for our educational mission and goals.” Friday’s luncheon featured Crosland Stuart, director of the E.B. Kennedy Scholarship program, Erskine graduate Marlo McDonald and two Erskine seniors who told the semifinalists about their experiences at Erskine. A former E.B. Kennedy Scholar, McDonald serves as residence director at Bonner Dormitory along with her husband, Bobby, director of major gift planning for Erskine. McDonald offered a profile of the group of semifinalists. She said the average SAT score was 1240 and the average GPA of the group was 94 percent (out of 100). Seventy-one percent of the students hold leadership positions, 63 percent are active in music and dramatic arts and 60 percent have participated in varsity sports. “Almost all of you indicate involvement in church activities, youth groups and community volunteerism,” McDonald said. She pointed out that academic achievement, while certainly an important factor in the selection of EBK Scholars, is only part of the package. McDonald told semifinalists that Erskine “is a lot more than it appears when you drive into town.” She talked about the numerous friends and the cherished memories she has gained through her connection with Erskine. “Some of my most treasured friendships have been made here,” McDonald said. Stuart told the semifinalists that she hopes their appreciation for the value of the scholarships increases as they learn more about the process, the college and the man for whom the scholarships are named. She said Kennedy’s approach to life embodied the criteria on which the scholarship award is based. “He placed a premium on academics and on leadership as a teacher, pastor and leader of his family,” Stuart said. His vigorous outlook was shown in his sense of humor, she said. She said Kennedy also represented his Christian commitment in the way he lived out his faith. “He could often be found teaching and pastoring,” Stuart said. “He was not only a Bible scholar, but a man whose heart was set aflame by God’s grace.” Whitney Gaillard, a senior from Anderson who is an EBK Scholar, said she fell in love with Erskine and thanks to the scholarship, was able overcome obstacles that stood between her and an education at the Due West school. “There are so many opportunities to form lasting relationships with your peers,” she said. “People offer invaluable support in good times and bad.” Gaillard said she has received a great education at Erskine, but she was candid in telling the students that it has taken a lot of hard work. Erskine senior Mary Julia Moore of Athens, Ga., also talked to the students about what the college has meant to her. She said an education is “only what you put into it,” but she said her experience has convinced her that an education at Erskine is more than that. Moore cited numerous examples of professors going “beyond the call of duty” for students, whether inviting students over for a social gathering or giving advice about their future. “They genuinely care about you and offer you an education outside the classroom,” she said.
Crosland Stuart |
Search | Netnews Home | College Home | Seminary Home | Academics | Alumni | Athletics | Mission | The Gold Campaign | The Drummond Center | |
Trouble viewing this e-mail? Go to: |
