Annual Report 2013–2014
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THE JOHNSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM
A Year in Review—2013–2014
“The Johnsons’ generosity in establishing the prestigious Johnson Scholars Program is a commitment to gifted leaders of the future. Rupert and Maryellie are giving our scholars incredible means and opportunity to excel to their utmost potential. For Santa Clara University, they are helping us graduate extraordinary students ready to take up the mantles of leadership in the nation and in the world.” —Michael E. Engh, S.J. President
In 2013, Rupert and Maryellie Johnson made a bold and generous commitment to Santa Clara University making possible the creation of the new Santa Clara University Johnson Scholars Program. Each year, 10 of SCU’s most academically accomplished, leadership-minded incoming freshmen receive comprehensive, annually renewable merit awards that include full coverage of tuition, room, and board. During their four years at SCU, the Johnson Scholars become part of a unique academic community. They are given premier access to the University’s top leadership and honors programs, including the prestigious Johnson Leadership Fellows Program. The following pages describe how the new Johnson Scholars Program has unfolded during its first year, how the Johnsons’ vision is quickly coming to fruition, and how the scholars— in numerous ways—are already helping to build a better world. In their own words, the scholars share a few insights on this remarkable opportunity.
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Highlights from an Impressive First Year
The first cohort of Johnson Scholars enjoy being a part of the distinctive community of scholars. During the academic year, the 10 scholars were involved in several special leadership opportunities described below:
The Class of 2017 Johnson Scholars: n
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Met with the Dalai Lama during his campus visit in February 2014 Attended a leadership retreat at the Asilomar Conference Center in Monterey in fall 2014 Joined an inspirational conversation with SCU’s newest Rhodes Scholar, Aven Satre-Meloy ’13
Cynthia Le ’17 joined Assoc. Prof. Chris Kitts in SCU’s engineering robotics research program.
Were involved in the selection process for the next class of Johnson Scholars by hosting finalists on campus and recruiting the Class of 2018 cohort
Ray Whelan ’17 assisted SCU’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society throughout the summer.
Welcomed the Class of 2018 scholars in two fall meetings Were recognized for a number of exciting accomplishments that enhanced personal growth and bolstered their academic excellence
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Shares Words of Wisdom with Johnson Scholars and Other Student Leaders
In February 2014, the Dalai Lama visited Santa Clara University to join the campus community and business leaders in a conversation about compassion and the interconnectedness of all humanity—particularly as it applies to Silicon Valley.
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Meet the Class of 2017 Johnson Scholars
Margaret Ackerson “I cannot express enough appreciation for the opportunities given me as a result of this scholarship. I hope to remain grounded while gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible.”
Hometown: Deerfield, Illinois High School: Deerfield High School Major: civil engineering
Julia Anderson Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon High School: Valley Catholic High School Major: civil engineering
“Being a Johnson Scholar opens up many doors and motivates me further to be a leader in the SCU community. I will always take with me the leadership skills I am building now.”
Alaina Boyle “I’ve made some of my best friends here through the Johnson Scholars community and always feel so supported and lifted up by all of the special opportunities we are provided.”
Hometown: Placer County, California High School: Whitney High School Major: psychobiology Minor: philosophy
Khoi Nguyen Bui “I’ve been blessed with many opportunities—to be part of the Bronco family, to learn from the most intelligent and yet entertaining professors, to be able to walk under the beautiful trees of Santa Clara.”
Hometown: San Jose, California High School: Bellarmine College Preparatory School Major: biochemistry Minor: Catholic studies
Jonathan Fortescue “This scholarship is going to have an immeasurable impact on my life. Not only am I able to attend SCU, but I will leave here debt free. Because of this, I will be able to pursue things that truly matter to me.”
Hometown: Renton, Washington High School: Oliver Hazen High School Double Major: physics and computer science (mathematics) Double Minor: history and mathematics
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Cynthia Le Hometown: Boise, Idaho High School: Timberline High School Major: computer science and engineering
“The Johnson Scholars Program is definitely an integral part of the unbeatable experience I’ve had here. I look forward to being able to continue to develop myself as a leader and person.”
Minor: dance
Steven Parks Hometown: Everett, Washington High School: Cascade Senior High School Major: mechanical engineering
“Without the Johnson Scholarship, I may not have been able to attend this school. As I gain greater engineering skills, I hope to use them to make positive impacts in the world.”
Brynn Sargent Hometown: Fair Oaks, California High School: Bella Vista High School Major: biology Double Minor: chemistry and mathematics
“The Johnson Scholarship will make my aspirations of graduate school much easier to fulfill. The program activities have given me invaluable experience in leadership building, which will help me throughout my life.”
Josie Warren “I would like to gain insight into a different culture and see the world from another perspective. With the Johnson scholarship … this will be another life-changing experience made possible.”
Hometown: Denver, Colorado High School: D’Evelyn High School Major: mechanical engineering Minor: theatre arts
Raymond Whelan Hometown: San Mateo, California High School: Junipero Serra High School Double Major: economics and finance
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“I will continue to capitalize on the opportunities open to me as a Johnson Scholar at Santa Clara. I would love to work with the Markkula Ethics Center on a research project through their Hackworth Fellowship.”
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Introducing the Class of 2018 Johnson Scholars
Selection of the Class of 2018 Scholars: Facts and Figures n
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Dylan DeTray
Through early and regular admission applications, 186 semifinalists were admitted to Santa Clara and identified for the Class of 2018 Johnson Scholar selection process
Hometown: Federal Way, Washington High School: Thomas Jefferson High School Major: business
Semifinalists were asked to submit an essay reflecting on what it means for Santa Clara University to host the Dalai Lama
Marli Sienna Dunn Hometown: Avondale, Arizona High School: Xavier College Preparatory
After reviewing the Dalai Lama essays, a selection committee composed of faculty and staff identified 56 finalists who were invited for a one-day, on-campus selection process, coupled with attending SCU’s annual Preview Day for admitted students
Major: psychology
Owen Huelsbeck Hometown: Tacoma, Washington High School: Stadium High School Major: political science
45 finalists attended the selection-day activities, from which the current 10 Johnson Scholars were selected
Hannah Morgan Kortbawi
The Class of 2018 Johnson Scholars ~Come to SCU from 6 states ~50% science majors ~30% business majors ~20% social science majors
Hometown: Seattle, Washington High School: Washington High School Major: biology
This new Johnson Scholars cohort has an average ~High school GPA of 3.95 compared to the class average of 3.67 ~SAT score in math and critical reading of over 1400 compared to the class average of 1300 ~Composite ACT score of 32 compared to the class average of 29
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Amy Lutfi Hometown: Yorba Linda, California High School: Rosary High School Major: business
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Karen Mac Hometown: San Jose, California High School: Valley Christian High School Major: biochemistry
Harshitha Mogallapalli Hometown: Brookfield, Wisconsin High School: Brookfield Central High School Major: biology
Erika Sasaki Hometown: Kirkland, Washington High School: Washington High School– The Overlake School Major: biochemistry
Taylor Miyuki Tagawa Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii High School: ‘Iolani High School Major: business
Hannah Mary Warnecke Hometown: Conifer, Colorado High School: Conifer High School Major: biology
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The Annual Johnson Scholars Leadership Retreat
Strengthening a Sense of Community Over a weekend in October 2014, all scholars attended the first Johnson Scholars Leadership Retreat at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove. The scholars participated in leadership-building activities and explored selected readings, which led them to create their own draft statements on ethics and leadership. In addition to discussing the program’s vision and growth, the students began developing their leadership goals for their remaining time at Santa Clara and beyond. Scholars talked about their specific plans for the upcoming year and reflected on the tremendous opportunities this program has already provided. The Leadership Retreat will become an annual part of the Johnson Scholars Program.
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2014 Johnson Leadership Retreat Reflections Alaina Boyle
Johnson Scholar – Class of 2017 “Perhaps the most important part of the retreat for me was cultivating a sense of community and an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration with my fellow Johnson Scholars. Through competing in beach Olympics activities, having meaningful discussions about our personal values and definitions of leadership, and just sharing meals and late-night talks and games, I feel that our Johnson Scholar community became much closer over the weekend.” Dylan DeTray
Johnson Scholar – Class of 2018 “Being offered the Johnson Scholarship not only supported my educational aspirations financially, but also connected me with a support system of nineteen of the most motivated and passionate leaders I have met. Our retreat in October provided the twenty of us the first opportunity to bond as a group of like-minded individuals. “Through multiple group discussions and moments of self-reflection, our goals and objectives as leaders became much clearer. The moments together were made even more powerful after hours of bonding on the beach and around a bonfire, further making it a weekend to remember.”
SCU’s Newest Rhodes Scholar Shares His Journey with Johnson Scholars Class of 2013 graduate Aven Satre-Meloy’s achievements have already begun to inspire current students to see themselves as potential Fulbright Fellows and Rhodes Scholars. In fall 2014, the Johnson Scholars joined a lunch meeting on campus with Satre-Meloy as he was preparing for his interview with the Rhodes Scholars Program committee. He discussed how his experiences at Santa Clara University formed him to become a strong competitor in the prestigious fellowship programs.
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The 2014 Johnson Leadership Fellows The Johnson Leadership Fellows Program provides a summer stipend to create a self-tailored enrichment experience designed to enhance learning, cultivate leadership, and build ethical decision-making skills. The program is open to undergraduates who have completed their second year at Santa Clara and will focus on Johnson Scholars in future years. Experiences may include internships, independent research, and cultural immersion travel.
Micah Klaeser ’15 Major: mechanical engineering Project: SkyPort–Addressing Impact of Poor Roads and Transportation on Healthcare in Rural Africa
“It cannot be overstated how unique and valuable an opportunity it is to be able to create and lead your own entrepreneurial organization as an undergraduate. For Santa Clara, I hope SkyPort can inspire a new standard for innovation, collaboration, and social mission among student projects.”
Ashleigh MacLean ’15 Major: biology Minor: chemistry Project: The Effects of Distraction and Aging on Learning: Cognitive and Physiological Perspectives
“This project has helped me to grow as a leader and as an advocate for social justice, skills that will be invaluable to me as a future physician, patient advocate, and scientist.”
Kyra McComas ’16 Major: biochemistry Double Minor: history and biology Project: Physiochemical Features of Self-Associating Peptoids and Their Applications
“Being the youngest member of the research team has provided me with opportunities to become an efficacious leader as I take on the projects and discoveries of graduating seniors. I have been able to hone my leadership skills through experiences involving public speaking, effectual argumentation, logical reasoning, and organizing proficient collaboration with other scientists.”
Gina Pasquali ’15 Double Major: religious studies and studio art Project: Engaging and Nurturing Youth-to-Youth Leadership in El Salvador
“As a graduating senior, I will use this experience as a base-point from which I will inform other leadership positions I seek. From this experience, I learned how to apply leadership, especially in a complex context. I want to be a high school teacher someday, and see everything from this experience as applicable to achieving that goal.”
Ashley Thomson ’15 Double Major: political science and history Project: Volunteering and Research: Cambodia
“I spent six weeks in July and August 2014 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. While there, I worked at a small human rights non-governmental organization and conducted research for my political science senior thesis. While there, I met many of the NGO’s clients and learned their stories in a very personal way that is absent in purely academic research.”
Nathalie Vu ’15 Major: finance Double Minor: international business and entrepreneurship Project: MACDI–Microfinance in Vietnam
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“I was able to travel to Vietnam and work with Minh Thai, the founder and director of Microfinance and Community Development Institute (MACDI). I chose to work with MACDI because of my interests in micro financing and my desire to give back to my home country.”
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Ashley Thomson in Cambodia
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Santa Clara University’s Johnson Scholars Program recognizes, rewards, and challenges exceptionally well-qualified students to explore their personal potential and develop deep leadership skills while attaining the highest levels of academic achievement.
Read full profiles of the Johnson Scholars and Leadership Fellows and learn more about their activities and projects at www.scu.edu/jscommunity. For more information about the Johnson Scholars Program, please visit www.scu.edu/johnsonscholars, or contact: Amy Shachter, Ph.D. Senior Associate Provost for Research and Faculty Affairs Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053 408-551-7041
PROV-8473 04/15
ashachter@scu.edu