Saint Martin's University names eleventh cohort of Benedictine Scholars

Ten incoming Saint Martin’s University first-year students have been selected to serve as the eleventh cohort of Benedictine Scholars. 

“I am excited to begin working with the incoming cohort of Benedictine Scholars as they begin their journey at Saint Martin’s University,” shares Floraliza Bornasal, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil engineering and the faculty advisor for the incoming cohort. “I look forward to seeing the growth of the incoming Scholars as they continue the tradition of hospitality, justice, listening, dignity of work, stewardship, stability, and other core values that frame the Benedictine traditions of the University in their pursuit of education at Saint Martin’s.” 

The eleventh cohort of Benedictine Scholars are: 

• Jayse Arcalas from Kapolei High School, Kapolei, HI, will major in Nursing 
• David Cano III from Rainier High School, Rainier, WA, will major in Elementary Education 
• Heather Hubbard from Tumwater High School, Tumwater, WA, will major in Computer Science 
• Faith Linthicum from Shelton High School, Shelton, WA, will major in Pre-Medicine 
• Sierra Nees from Mountainside High School, Beaverton, OR, will major in Civil Engineering 
• Lydia Smaciarz from Willapa Valley High School, Raymond, WA, will major in Accounting 
• Ariana Valera-Ruvalcaba from Auburn High School, Auburn, WA, will major in Business Administration 
• Lily Villa from Mabton High School, Grandview, WA, will major in Educational Studies 
• Tatiana Watkins-Snow from West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, AK, will major in Pre-Medicine 
• Laurin Patterson from Billings Senior High School, Billings, MT, will major in Computer Science 

The Benedictine Scholars Program started in the fall of 2012 with the mission to promote a deeper understanding of the Catholic, Benedictine values and heritage that define the University. The Benedictine Scholars serve as ambassadors for the core values of the institution—faith, reason, service, and community—both within our campus community and in the wider world. 

“Through their service-learning coursework, Scholars find their individual leadership styles and share their talents through various leadership roles on campus,” said Saint Martin’s University Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Patty Lemon. “Many Scholars go on to become service-oriented leaders in their community after graduation.” 

Faculty and staff members representing numerous departments throughout the University evaluated over 200 candidates for the Benedictine Scholars Program. Those selected are typically students whose academic records are matched by their leadership experiences, their contributions to the life of their school or faith communities and their service to individuals and groups. Each scholar selected for the honor receives $10,000 additional scholarship support on top of other financial aid per year, renewable for four years of study. 

The above was provided by  Saint Martin's University  on June 14, 2022.