News and Events
[printer friendly version]posted on 11/2/11
Saint Joseph's College Sophomore Marie Kegley Receives "Realizing the Dream" Award
Marie Kegley (right) with Assistant Professor of Mathematics Marge McIlwain (center).
Outstanding first-generation students from 31 independent college campuses in Indiana and the mentors who most encouraged those students to seek a college degree will be honored in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, November 5. Sophomore Mathematics major Marie Kegley of Indianapolis, Ind. will represent Saint Joseph's College at the event.
"I was shocked to hear that I won the award," said Kegley. "Once the news set in, I was extremely grateful for my amazing family that has supported me in every aspect of my life. I would not be the person I am today and would never have accomplished what I have without the role models I've had in my life."
Made possible by a grant to the Independent Colleges of Indiana from Lilly Endowment Inc., "Realizing the Dream" recognizes the triumphs of first-generation students in their first year of college. The student honorees are Indiana high school graduates who subsequently demonstrated superior academic performance during their first year of studies and exhibited leadership in campus or community activities. A $2,000 grant will be applied toward her SJC educational costs.
The program also celebrates the roles played by teachers and parents in shaping student aspirations for a college education. After being chosen by their college, the students then name the elementary or secondary teacher who most influenced them to attend college. These mentors will each receive a $1,000 professional development award.
"Marie is a wonderful young woman," said Assistant Professor of Mathematics Marge McIlwain, who is also Kegley's advisor. "She is a joy to have in class, and we in the Mathematics Department are very proud of her. She is very deserving of this award."
Kegley will be joined in Indianapolis by her parents, Tim and Patty Kegley, Marge McIlwain, and Roncalli High School Mathematics teacher Angie Toner.
"Mrs. Toner was my pre-calculus teacher, and she helped me discover my love of math," said Kegley. "I always wanted to be a teacher, but with Mrs. Toner, I realized I too wanted to be a high school math teacher. She is the type of person I aspire to be once I graduate and have my own classroom."
Kegley is co-captain of the women's tennis team and belongs to Make a Choice, Puma Educators in Action, and the Environmental Club.
For more information, contact SJC Dean of Freshmen Heidi Rahe at heidir@saintjoe.edu.
Saint Joseph's College, named a "character-building college" by the Templeton Foundation and a "best Midwestern college" by the Princeton Review, is a four-year, Catholic college offering 26 majors, 4 group majors, 28 minors, and 9 pre-professional programs, complemented by the nationally acclaimed Core Program. Founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, SJC is located in Rensselaer, Indiana, approximately 90 minutes from both Chicago and Indianapolis, on a park-like campus of 180 acres and has an enrollment of more than 1,100 students.
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