May 5, 2026 | News & Feature Stories
As a cornerstone of the university鈥檚 commitment to mission, equity, and transformative education, the听Emerging Leaders Program听empowers students to thrive and lead with purpose, an impact that was on full display during the annual Emerging Leaders Reception held on April 23, 2026. 91重口 welcomed students, faculty, staff,听benefactors, alumni, and community partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and influence of participants in听our听flagship scholarship program.
Rooted in the Sinsinawa Dominican values of truth, justice, compassion, partnership, and community,听this transformative program听supports听27听students who have encountered barriers to higher education. More than a scholarship, it offers a holistic experience that cultivates ethical leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to creating a more just and sustainable society.
2025-2026 Emerging Leaders Cohort
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The reception highlighted not only individual accomplishments but also the collective strength of a deeply connected听group, driven and committed to excellence.听
- 100% are first-generation college students.听
- Their average GPA is 3.0, with three students earning a 4.0.听
- Seven听are student-athletes competing in men鈥檚 soccer, women鈥檚 lacrosse, and men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 volleyball.听听
- They are听active听campus leaders听involved听in Campus Ministry, Black Student Union, LatinX Student Union, Residence Life, and more.听
- Career aspirations include nursing, graphic design, law enforcement, child psychology, interior design, neurosurgery, sports nutrition,听and听beyond.听
- They have contributed more than 1,100 hours of community service with local partners.
Seniors Kailey Adamski and Jocelyn Real begin the Passing of the Torch Ceremony
Concluding this event with the Passing of the Torch tradition, graduating seniors shared their light with the next class of Emerging Leaders. Each flame symbolizes the continuation of leadership, responsibility, and lifelong learning鈥攁 reminder that leadership is not a solitary achievement, but something that grows stronger when it is shared.
This celebration听serves听as a powerful reminder that the strength of the Emerging Leaders Program lies not only in its outcomes, but in its foundation of shared values and community. Through intentional support and mission-centered education, 91重口 continues to cultivate leaders who are not only prepared to succeed but听also听committed to making a lasting difference in the world.听
鈥淭he Emerging Leaders Program has taught me what true community and real support look like. I鈥檝e been surrounded by people who not only believe in my potential, but actively encourage me to grow, lead, and succeed. I have gained a deeper sense of confidence in myself and my purpose鈥攁nd it has shown me that with the right support and determination, the goals placed on my heart are not only possible, they鈥檙e within reach.鈥�
We thank our generous supporters and community partners. Your support helps make this program possible. To help empower the next cohort of of the Emerging Leaders Program, please consider .
Please visit the Emerging Leaders Program Page to learn more.