2009 Cornaro Scholarship Recipients

The Cornaro Scholarship Committee announces the winners of the 2009 KGP scholarship competition! This prestigious scholarship, currently in the amount of $3000, is open only to members of Kappa Gamma Pi, and may be used for graduate expenses at any accredited university. In 2009, the Cornaro Scholarships were given to three very deserving winners:

Victoria Brawner (Mount Mercy College, IA)

Victoria Brawner completed her BS degree in Elementary Education with reading, English/language arts, K-6 endorsements. She teaches first grade at St. Joseph Catholic School in Marion, IA, and is working toward an MA degree in Education with Reading emphasis at Mount Mercy. As a summa cum laude graduate in 2004, Victoria earned many service and leadership awards. Since beginning her teaching career, she has been very involved in both school and parish ministries including projects in Mexico. Victoria also tutors and works as a nanny when possible. She volunteers for Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival and Theatre Cedar Rapids and has been on leadership teams for Christian Experience Weekend and Theology on Tap.

Caitlyn Brodmerkel (Saint Mary's College, IN)

Caitlin Brodmerkel finished her BSN degree this spring at Saint Mary's College. She will begin graduate work at the University of Indianapolis to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Caitlin was a Presidential Scholar, a summa cum laude graduate, and a recipient of many nursing and athletic awards. An active volunteer with Kiwanis and the Sister Maura Brannick Health Clinic, Caitlin has also made service trips to Appalachia and Ecuador. She spent over two months in Uganda working with Holy Cross priests, brothers and sisters in a rural village. She served as a nurse at the family health clinic, taught health science, and, since returning home, has raised $10,000 for the clinic. Caitlin recently helped Saint Mary's College form its own Ugandan service project for nursing and education majors.

Shaun Ruocco (Felician College, NJ)

Shaun Ruocco earned his BA degree in History last year and has begun studies at Felician College toward a Master of Arts in Education degree. Shaun earned many Boy Scout awards, including Eagle Scout of the Year in 2006 and the Ad Altare Dei Medal. He continues to mentor as an adult leader in Boy Scouts of America, especially to boys with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Shaun also has received community service awards from the American Legion. He is an active volunteer firefighter for the Pearl River Hook and Ladder Co., on call 24 hours a day. He has been involved in many fires, accident rescues and emergency calls. Shaun also cares for the elderly at a nursing home. He has participated in helping the homeless by volunteering in the Felician College Midnight Run Program.

 

Application forms for the 2010 Cornaro Scholarship are available and can be downloaded from the Cornaro webpage. Applications and reference letters are due by April 20, 2010. The award stipend for next year's competition will again be $3000.00, nonrenewable.

This page was last updated on 16 August 2009