Scholars and Stewards: Making an impact
By Zion Banks, Editor, the Triad
Weeks before the new academic year, Governors State University (GovState) staff and students paused to thank donors for their generosity during an elegant Scholars and Stewards reception.
Reverberating throughout the night was the recurring theme from a 1962 exchange between President John F. Kennedy and a NASA janitor.
Shannon Olison, Director of Advancement Services, shared with guests that when Kennedy asked the man what he did, the janitor replied that he was helping put a man on the moon.
“This guy wasn’t an engineer, not a scientist, or a senior-level executive,” Olison told guests gathered on the stage of the Center for Performing Arts. “He wasn’t Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin. His name is mostly forgotten from the record, but he belonged at NASA and contributed to the mission of putting a man on the moon,’’ Olison said before posing the burning question of the night: “What do you do here?”
Kim Bartolomucci was one of the donors in the room and spoke about the motivation for her family’s contributions in memory of her son Trent Bartolomucci who died after struggling with substance abuse.
The Foundation Scholarship and the Trent Bartolomucci Behavioral Health Lab were established to support Addiction Studies students.
“We're from New Lenox and we wanted to make sure all the resources we were earning would stay in this area and pour back out to this area,” Kim Bartolomucci said. “By helping students become better counselors in addiction, they can reach a thousand lives in their career where I could reach one.”
David Barr, who founded the David Barr Scholarship along with his wife, Barbara, recently stepped down from Foundation leadership after 50 years. He said he sees the Foundation’s impact.
“Our whole community is better because more people are seeking advanced degrees and BAs and advanced degrees beyond.”
Because of generous donors such as Barr, the Bartolomuccis, and others, the Foundation is positioned to give out more scholarships, removing financial worry from students, said Foundation CEO Will Davis, who also is the Vice President of External Affairs at GovState.
“We're relieving that burden so students can focus in the classroom.”
GovState Alumna Gillian Vinson experienced that relief. She said she benefitted not only from Foundation scholarships, but also from mentors who encouraged her to apply when she had been reluctant. After receiving three scholarships, she became an ambassador of sorts.
“So, to the students in the room, I want to say this: You don't have to be involved in everything here, but you have to get involved in something. You never know what doors it'll open up for you later.”
Alyssa Mankiewicz was in the room.
As an incoming freshman participating in a summer bridge program called LEAP, Alyssa told guests she’s ready for her first year of college. Live, Experience, and Prepare (LEAP) has provided her with academic credits, as well as a group of friends and critical knowledge of campus and key resources.
“LEAP has definitely made me build habits and confidence that I need to come into the semesters ahead. One of the biggest things it has done for me was help me believe in my own potential,” Alyssa said.
GovState President Joyce C. Ester had been on campus for six weeks when Scholars and Stewards was held. She beamed with pride as she thanked donors for supporting students and said simply: “Our students deserve it. This is an amazing institution. Let’s go! “
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