By Abby Kozal, Culture Editor
Outside the Albertus Magnus Hall – Photo by Abby Kozal
Aquinas College hosted its 32nd annual Spectrum of Scholarships Competition on Saturday, Feb. 1. Every year, prospective students are invited to Aquinas’ campus to workshop and write an essay for a chance at winning scholarship money. By participating, students are able to win a $500 scholarship that renews annually and have the chance to compete for a full-tuition and standard room scholarship. Aquinas runs two sections of the competition during the winter.
Students have a choice between two essay options. They are given 45 minutes to write. The essays are then judged by a group of faculty and staff. However, the day is about more than just scholarships.
“Outside of our open houses, it ends up being the first big day where they can meet potential future classmates,” Aquinas Admissions Director Lindsey Hansen said.
The day includes a tour of campus, free lunch provided by dining services, a service activity, a panel for parents, and an evening reception at the Albertus Magnus Hall. A newer addition to this schedule is a mass for accepted students at 5 p.m.. It is a chance for students to explore campus as well as meet future classmates and faculty.
This year, the panel for parents consisted of faculty, staff, and students. “During the time that we’re doing the competition, they have a panel for the parents,” Hansen said. “They ask really thoughtful questions. It’s nice that we give both groups of people (students and parents) the opportunity to ask questions that maybe they wouldn’t ask in front of the other.”
Yesenia Bernal-Alcala, TRIO SSS Experiential Learning Coordinator and Advisor, was among the faculty on the panel. “It’s always a pleasure to be a panelist at the Spectrum of Scholarships session,” Bernal-Alcala said. “I love meeting the parents of our future Saints and answering any questions they have.”
In the panel, she stressed the importance of education. “As an AQ alum and a first-gen graduate,” she said. “I’m passionate about sharing my experience navigating higher education—especially at a place that’s so dear to my heart and played a big role in my journey. It’s fulfilling to give back by supporting others and connecting families with our CORE services to ensure their students can tap into on-campus academic resources.”
Overall, the Spectrum of Scholarships Competition is a big day for Aquinas recruitment. Between the two sessions, nearly 200 accepted students registered to compete.
The winner of the full-tuition scholarship will be announced some time in March. The last winner was Romy McKellar from City High, but many students benefit from the $500 scholarship rewarded for participating.
“Yes, it’s an opportunity for students to potentially win more scholarships, which is great, but it’s also just a day for them to really start to see the Aquinas community,” Hansen said.
The Saint 