Dive into this Exploration of Culture, Politics, History and More

The Thea Bowman Scholars Program is designed to help African-American students achieve success and mature as leaders throughout their lifecycle at Walsh University. The program aligns with the University’s mission and overall commitment to create an environment that is inclusive and supportive to the student’s cultural, spiritual, and personal development and academic success. Students accepted into the Thea Bowman Scholars Program will have opportunities to explore various cultures, politics, and history.

Program Benefits

  • Connect and engage with peers and mentor students to learn how to successfully transition into and throughout the campus
  • Gain professional development skills to prepare for future career paths through mentorship and programming.
  • Enhance and develop resiliency, communication, and leadership skills.

Admissions Criteria

  • Prospective traditional, full-time degree seeking student
  • High school cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Completed undergraduate admissions application to Walsh University
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Completion of an in-person interview
  • Completed essay describing why you desire to participate in the program and what it means to become a successful student leader

Yearly Requirements for Scholarship Renewal:

  • Year 1 – Fulfill Admissions scholarship requirements and interview.  Participate in MOSAIC Multicultural Student Orientation.
  • Year 2 – Participate as a student peer mentor in MOSAIC Multicultural Student Orientation.
  • Year 3 – Demonstrate active involvement as a student leader on campus  
  • Year 4 – Continue active involvement as a student leader on campus.

-and-

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Letter of recommendation by a Walsh University faculty or staff member (submitted to Director of Multicultural Affairs)
  • Participate in a community service project (minimum of 2-hours) each fall and spring (documentation provided to Director of Multicultural Affairs)
  • Complete an annual goal setting session with the Director of Multicultural Affairs

About Sr. Thea Bowman

The late Sr. Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration from Canton, Mississippi, was nationally known for her work in advancing and diversifying the individuals within the Catholic Church. By invitation from Walsh’s third President, Br. Francis Blouin, Sr. Thea visited Walsh and addressed a crowd of more than 1,300 individuals on September 18, 1989. During the ceremony, she was awarded the Founders’ Award for illustrating the same ideals as Venerable John de La Mennais and Father Gabriel Deshayes, founders of the Brothers of Christian Instruction. 

"We have become a global village; we have to learn to love and respect one another, to work, play, and stand together," said Sr. Thea during her remarks at Walsh. "Give your time, talent, resources, and understanding to make this a better place for all of us."

Sr. Thea was 52 when she died of bone cancer on March 30, 1990. Her legacy as an educator, evangelist and proponent of Catholic education lives on today through initiatives such as the Thea Bowman Scholars Program at Walsh University.

 

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