Two new initiatives between Walsh University and Archbishop Hoban High School will provide students an opportunity to earn Walsh college credit without leaving Hoban’s campus and financial support to attend Walsh once they do. With their shared Catholic faith and commitment to providing a values-based education, Walsh University and Archbishop Hoban have established a new Hoban/Walsh Scholarship, the Rhonda and Gary Didado Family Scholarship, and signed their first College Credit Plus Agreement.
Through a leadership gift by Walsh University Board of Directors Member and Archbishop Hoban supporters Gary and Rhonda Didado, Hoban students who wish to attend Walsh University are now eligible for scholarship support towards their tuition and fees.
"We’re pleased to offer this opportunity for Hoban students to attend a prominent Catholic university of which I’m also Board member," said Gary Didado whose daughter Danielle is both a Hoban and Walsh alumna. "My hope is that this scholarship opportunity will entice other like-minded individuals to give as well and provide further opportunity for Hoban and Walsh students."
Hoban students can also save time and money by taking a Walsh college-level course at no cost on the Hoban campus through a new College Credit Plus (CCP) Agreement. The first course in Organic Chemistry was specifically designed to complement Hoban’s academic curriculum by Hoban and Walsh alumnus Michael Dunphy, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Dean of the School or Arts and Sciences at Walsh.
Scholarship applications and CCP registration are now open for Fall 2018.
"We’re thankful to the Didado Family who have been longtime supporters of Archbishop Hoban, and we’re especially proud that these new partnerships were spearheaded by members of our own community, the Didado family and Dr. Michael Dunphy," said Dr. Todd R. Sweda, President of Archbishop Hoban High School. "As a Holy Cross Catholic institution, one of our priorities is to seek new ways to enhance our student offerings by partnering with other strong Catholic organizations like Walsh University. Geographically, our two schools are close in proximity, which allows us to share resources and opportunities for all of our students. This partnership will support Hoban students who wish to stay in Northeast Ohio and lend their talents to our economic development, especially in the areas of healthcare and science."
Walsh University has distinguished itself as a regional leader in the health sciences with faculty and undergraduate research in mathematics, computer science and the natural sciences. Walsh is committed to the principle of "reasoned inquiry" and encourages debate, discussion and inter-disciplinary study relative to all academic endeavors, and reflecting Catholic traditions. The Organic Chemistry course will not only count as a college credit, but will prepare Hoban students for requirements in Walsh degree programs such as Pre-Nursing, Pre-Med, Pre-Engineering and Pre-Physical Therapy in which more advanced Organic Chemistry is required.
"Walsh and Hoban have enjoyed a longstanding relationship. Some of our most successful alumni are also graduates of Archbishop Hoban, which is a testament to the strength of both of our schools," said Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume. "We hope that the establishment of the Rhonda and Gary Didado Family Scholarship and the College Credit Plus Partnership will benefit future generations of students and continue to reinforce Catholic education in Northeast Ohio."
The purpose of Ohio’s College Credit Plus program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. The agreement between Walsh and Archbishop Hoban offers students the opportunity to take college classes and earn college credits toward the field of study they plan to pursue in college, even before receiving their high school diplomas.
Photo Caption:Front Row Seated: Hoban President Todd R. Sweda and Walsh President Richard Jusseaume. Back Row: Hoban Board of Directors Rev. Michael Ausperk, Hoban Principal Emily Hanson, Professor Dr. Michael Dunphy and Hoban Associate Principal for Student Services Kevin Hillery.
For more information on the College Credit Plus Program, contact Walsh CCP Coordinator Katie-Elisabeth Brown at 330-490-7349 or email kebrown@walsh.edu. College Credit Plus Admission information can also be accessed at www.walsh.edu/ccp.
Archbishop Hoban High Schoolis a Roman Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school serving 819 students on 75 acres in East Akron, Ohio. On average 98 percent of seniors enroll in a two or four-year college following graduation. Hoban is committed to making Catholic education available to an economically, academically and ethnically diverse student population. The Brothers of Holy Cross founded the school in 1953 to serve boys from grades 9 through 12. In 1973, the school became coed. In 1976, the lay Board of Directors assumed major governance responsibilities. The Board continues to work with the Brothers, who now sponsor the school.www.hoban.org