Walsh University and The Knights of Columbus, Bishop McFadden Council No. 3777 in North Canton proudly announce their new partnership and the establishment of a $500,000 endowed scholarship program. This unique gift will establish need-based scholarships to Walsh University students and provide The Knights of Columbus with partial use of Walsh’s facilities. The agreement was formally signed on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Saturday, March 25.
"The establishment of a formal partnership underscores the important relationship between our two organizations, while providing support for our shared commitment to the Catholic faith," said Walsh President Richard Jusseaume. "For The Knights of Columbus, this partnership will strengthen their connection to the local community by creating a more visible presence in North Canton. And for Walsh, the establishment of this scholarship will help to provide much needed financial aid for our students as they pursue their academic goals and personal development as leaders in service to others. This truly is a win-win for us both."
Membership in the Bishop McFadden Council is approximately 180 members from the Catholic parishes of Christ the Servant Church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Little Flower. The Bishop McFadden Council No. 3777 was established in North Canton in 1954, which coincides with the founding of Walsh University during the same time period.
"This is a great opportunity to partner with a Catholic organization in our community sharing common values," said David J. Wechter, Treasurer, Bishop McFadden Council. "This partnership will not only further the Knights' legacy and mission but also supports the development of servant leadership skills in future generations of Walsh students. Servant leadership is what our faith calls us to do and is critical to ensuring our mission in perpetuity."
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization dedicated to its founding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, it was named in honor of the mariner Christopher Columbus. The Knights were formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to 15,342 councils and 1.9 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine, and South Korea.