Paving a Path for DFC Scholars When 10 Dougherty Family College (DFC) scholars received news in spring 2021 that they had earned a full-tuition scholarship for the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree at St. Thomas, the prevailing response was: “This is a dream come true.” This sentiment reflects the meaningful impact the university has on promising students facing financial and systemic barriers to earning a college degree. Awarding high-achieving DFC graduates the Excellence Continuation Scholarship to St. Thomas is a part of the university’s commitment to these students as well as to achieving its 2025 strategic plan goal of having more than 70% of DFC scholars continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree. So far, nearly 40 students have been awarded the Excellence Continuation Scholarship since DFC graduated its inaugural class in 2017. Each recipient achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and had outstanding essays and faculty and mentor recommendations. While the scholarships will allow these students to earn their bachelor’s degree with little or no debt, that’s just the beginning. “These scholarships will have a positive multi-generational impact on BIPOC communities in our state and nation,” said Interim Dean Buffy Smith. “It’s evidence that the University of St. Thomas and friends of Dougherty Family College are committed to preparing our scholars to become transformative leaders who will create a more just, inclusive and equitable world.” Continuing Excellence Scholarship recipients for 2021 are: Roman Adhikari, Rashi Ambers-Winston, Lisan Hasnain, Asha Horsa, Janette Mendoza, Aiesha Osman, Alonso Ruiz-Cota, Rose Say, Khadra Sharif and Nataly Valencia Orozco. The DFC Excellence Continuation Scholarships were made possible through the generous donations of the Ryan/Sterbenz Estate and Gene and Mary Frey. In addition, the students were matched with and completed an internship through partnerships with Target Corporation, U.S. Bank, Winnebago and Schwan’s.
— Heidi Enninga '14
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