PRESS ROOM

Press Release

Bishop Noll Institute Alumnus Awards Scholarships to Three Students

August 13, 2009 - Hammond, IND – Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) alumnus David Pelka, ’61 has established a brand new scholarship in memory of his high school physics teacher – Sister Scholastica.  Pelka contacted BNI in May offering a single full scholarship for our most outstanding Math & Science student who was going to be a junior or senior.  This would be the first full scholarship offered here at Noll.  The scholarship parameters were established for the first Sister Scholastica Scholarship and then Pelka evaluated several submissions.  After several conversations and meetings with the advancement department, Pelka flew in to interview the finalists assisted by his classmate Larry Brandt ’61 and our Director of Institutional Advancement – Lisa Woodruff.

The three finalists were put through an interview that included math questions which were used to illuminate how the young person’s mind worked at problem solving.  Pelka was clearly impressed by all three finalists and struggled to choose who would be the beneficiary of his generosity. His decision was to expand his offer - one student received a full scholarship while the other two received half scholarships.  The recipients for the 2009-10 academic year are: Mary Bucki – full, Michelle Kasper and Rose Mullaney - half.
 
“It was a great day for the school, for the memory of Sister Scholastica, for the families who benefitted and especially for the donor – I know how impressed and truly moved he was by our young students.  They represent the best of Noll and the best for everyone’s future.” Lisa Woodruff – Director of Institutional Advancement

BACK TO PRESS ROOM