Change for Change Scholarship 2016 Winners

Every February for the past three years, the Albertus Magnus College Student Alumni Association has participated in Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month alongside institutions across the world. In 2015 they began the “Change for Change Campaign” a student-to-student giving initiative. In 2016, the group raised nearly $1,500 for current Albertus students. All currently enrolled students are eligible for the funds through an application process. An anonymous panel of judges selects the recipients. The Student Alumni Association is proud to announce the following two recipients who will receive $500 micro-scholarships, each:

Daniel Constantinidi '17

Dan is a current junior, a Writing Associate, Psychology Tutor, member of the chorus, men's tennis team, and is interested in serving the College as a Tour Guide. He was also a participant in the recent Cambridge Union Society Debate.

Dan shared that he chose to attend Albertus because of the small community, education program, athletics and opportunities to succeed. He believed that Albertus would be the best college to prepare him for his future. He found that the community we build here makes him proud to be a Falcon. Having such a small campus has allowed him to build relationships with students and faculty which would not be available at a big university. He says, "My relationships have helped me grow as an individual and have allowed me to help members of our college grow and become successful students."

His favorite tradition is the Candlelight Ceremony. As a member of the chorus, he enjoys seeing new students come together to symbolically start their career at Albertus.

On receiving a Change for Change scholarship, Dan says,

"I am incredibly grateful for the Change for Change Scholarship. I feel honored that SAA has chosen to support me in my academic endeavors. For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work with students all over campus. As a Writing Associate, I have helped many students become great writers and better intellectuals. As a Psychology Tutor, I have had the greatest opportunity to work with students to help develop their research, writing and reading skills, which they have applied across disciplines. As a member of the chorus, I have been awarded the opportunity to take part in every event which reflects the enriched culture of our school. As a member of the men's tennis team, I have had the chance to take part in our renowned athletic program as well as meet and exchange ideas with students from other institutions. And as member of the Honors Program, Education Program, and a student of the History Department, I have met and grown with some of the people I hold the most respect for.

Albertus Magnus College has given me the ability to grow as a student and mentor, as well as find truth in all of its dimensions. As much as this experience has helped me become a better student and person, it is not free. The Change for Change Scholarship and SAA have awarded me the opportunity to further my journey as a student, mentor and peer. There are not enough words to show the gratitude that I have for SAA and Albertus Magnus College."

Esther Hartzell '17

Esther holds a 3.98 GPA and is a Writing Associate, Tour Guide, Resident Assistant. She shared that she started working 40-hour work weeks in high school in order to pay for college. She knew that she would not be happy in life if she did not follow her calling to become an English teacher, instilling a love for learning in future students, and make a change in the community, no matter how slight.

Esther came to Albertus at the suggestion of her high school guidance counselor but her on-campus tour was what made her feel Albertus was home. Her tour guide knew every face on campus and that appealed to her. She shared that she instantly made her decision that Albertus was the right fit for her – it quickly became her home. She shared that Albertus has provided her with opportunities to grow and develop as a lover of English, a lover of education and a lover of humanity. In addition, she has found wonderful opportunities to submerse herself in service to the community. She is proud to be an Albertus Falcon for life because she wants to continue to share her love of the College with everyone she meets.

Her favorite tradition at Albertus is the Candlelight Ceremony that closes with a campus wide picnic. She recalls the Candlelight Ceremony taking place in the Behan Community Room, where the room was dark, except for the soft glow of candles. The ceremony began with the speaker drawing the audience back to the first Candlelight Ceremony where the women of the College gathered together in their long dresses, signing their names in the great book of the College. She thinks it is a beautiful idea that the seniors pass down the light to the freshmen, welcoming them into the school's tradition of learning and searching for truth.

On receiving the Change for Change Scholarship, Esther says,

"The Change for Change Scholarship allows for me to feel safe that I can make another semester at Albertus Magnus College. I am putting myself through school, so any bit of money is a great help. I am so thankful for the Change for Change Scholarship because it makes me feel supported by my colleagues. As I continue my junior year in college, I realize how much closer I am coming to achieving my dream. No longer is it a dream but a reality. After college, I plan to obtain my Master's in English and then find a job at a high school. By receiving the Change for Change Scholarship, everyone who donated to the scholarship has helped to make a lighter burden for my journey here at Albertus. I am a proud recipient of the Change for Change Scholarship."

The Student Alumni Association is proud to award these micro-scholarships to Dan and Esther and wish to thank all the donors who helped make this possible. Change for Change is an annual campaign. All funds not distributed will be carried over in the next academic year and awarded based on application volume.