A March Blizzard Can’t Stop Us From Celebrating!

Despite a snowy disruption to our planned annual Spring Scholarship Reception, we adapted and found a meaningful way to honor our scholarship recipients and their supporters.

In place of an in-person event, Saint Paul College shares virtual messages that celebrate the positive financial and educational impacts scholarships have on our students. During the 2025 school year, an impressive $294,000 in scholarships was allocated to 235 students.

Saint Paul College President Deidra Peaslee said, “We know how much this reception means to both our students and our donors at Saint Paul College. It’s a chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the power of education.”

We also have video messages from two of our scholarship-receiving students, welding student V Wenham and respiratory therapist student Emmett James, who were scheduled to speak at the March reception.

V Wenham, who initially enrolled at SPC to pursue an English degree, discovered a passion for welding after taking a Metal Arts class. Unaware of SPC Scholarships, V relied on a Pell Grant for first-semester expenses. After learning about scholarship opportunities, V applied and received an Excel Energy scholarship of $1,000 and $500 from the SPC Welding Program. These scholarships played a crucial role in shaping V’s academic journey. V graduates this spring and aims to pursue a career in on-the-road structural welding, working on projects throughout the southeastern United States. In addition to welding, V continues to write and has several poems scheduled for publication later this year.

Emmett James, who grew up in Rochester surrounded by healthcare professionals, chose the SPC Respiratory Therapist program for its affordability and strong financial aid support. Emmett received the Tipler Family Endowment, a $1,250 renewable scholarship. Emmett is eager to contribute to the respiratory therapy field, which is in high demand due to our aging population and the ongoing effects of COVID-19.

Another way to support our students is to attend our annual fundraiser, Friends on the Lawn, on May 15th. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Saint Paul College community and contribute to student success. We hope to see you there!

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