College Gives Full Tuition to Top Scholars

Four new Monroe Scholars arrive at Westmont this week. Only students with exceptional academic abilities, strong character and a desire to grow in their Christian faith receive the four-year, full-tuition Monroe Scholarship. In the past 11 years, Westmont has awarded 37 Monroe Scholarships, the highest academic honor for incoming students.

This year’s scholars are Jarrett Catlin of Upland, Calif.; Aria Hamann of Grants Pass, Ore.; Megan Litschewski of Centennial, Colo.; and Aaron Wilk of Centennial, Colo. They earned a combined average honors GPA of 4.6 and an average SAT score of 1520 (out of 1600).

Catlin says he wanted to attend a school that was intentional in its efforts to mold its students. “Everyone from admissions officers to the students that I met at Westmont were aware of where they were headed and seemed to be actively searching for God’s purpose for them,” he says. “I don't know what will be going on in my life five or 10 years from now, but I know that I want God to be the center of it all. After realizing that, I knew that Westmont was the best place for me to encounter like-minded people who would be willing to help shape me.”

Hamann says that Westmont was an unexpected fit for her. “Not only do I find the beautiful location, amazing people, and pursuit of truth and knowledge a remarkable combination of treasures, but I am also convinced that Westmont is where I belong,” she says.

Litschewski says she had always imagined herself at a larger, secular school such as Duke University, which offered her a large grant. “As much as I loved the intellectual vibrancy of Duke, my visit to Westmont revealed a multi-faceted college, which, in addition to academic vivacity, included a tight-knit community and a network of brilliant, passionate and receptive faculty,” she says. “Most of all, I realized that my faith would be encouraged and strengthened at Westmont.”

Wilk says he chose Westmont because it offers the most fulfilling college experience. “Westmont allows me to achieve all my academic goals while facilitating my growth as a Christian,” he says. “As a liberal arts institution, Westmont not only prepares me in my major fields of study, but also develops me in all academic fields, opening up opportunities that otherwise would have lain dormant. At Westmont, I look forward to working with world-class faculty and being part of a nurturing and galvanizing community.”

The four scholarship winners were chosen from about 30 national candidates who attended a two-day competition at Westmont in February, writing a timed response to an essay question, and interviewing with two faculty members or administrators.

The scholarship is named after Kenneth Monroe, a former Westmont professor, and his wife, Peggy, whose estate gave the college more than $3 million.

Orientation begins Thursday, Aug. 23, for first-year students representing the class of 2016 with the first day of classes Monday, Aug. 27.