December 18, 2009
Rosemary Encarnacion understands the value of a good
education, that it can open many doors to success.
The St. John’s University senior will be first to tell you that
without the financial support she has received from St. John’s in
each of her four years, she would not today be on the cusp of that
success, with a degree from her dream school, one of the premier
Catholic universities in the U.S.
“My brother attended St. John’s,” says the Economics major. “I
heard the wonderful stories and knew I wanted to be a part of Red
Storm. This University has offered me so many financial
opportunities that I knew not to take it or my education for
granted.”
With limited financial resources available for college, Rosemary’s
hopes had rested on obtaining additional financial aid to
supplement the Academic Achievement Scholarship Award she received
from St. John’s. Thanks to the University’s Vincentian mission of
providing a top-notch education to the economically, physically or
socially disadvantaged, and the dedicated efforts of the Office of Student
Financial Services, 90 percent of her tuition and fees are
covered by financial aid.
She is not alone. Almost 95 percent of St. John’s students receive
financial assistance of some sort, including TAP (Tuition Assistance
Program),
PELL grants, and other loans and scholarships, in order to
afford a well-rounded education. In fact, the University has one of
the largest TAP eligible student populations in New York State.
Beyond these federal and state programs, St. John’s provides
substantial financial assistance to students through annual budget
allocations and endowment funds.
Residence Life Enhanced the
Experience
Since freshman year, as part of her financial aid package, Rosemary
has been working in Student Financial Services where she assists
with scholarship verification, document review and fact-checking
for students who, like her, are in need of monetary relief.
Two years ago, curious about campus-living, she approached
professionals in the office with a request for additional funding
to absorb the costs of residential life on campus.
“Through a re-evaluation of my financial situation, a counselor was
able to calculate additional financial aid eligibility,” she
explains. “After residing on campus for the past few years, I have
gained a new perspective and have definitely become more involved.
I will cherish the wonderful friendships I have made and in
essence, I can truly say that I owe my wonderful undergraduate
experience to St. John’s.”
Living on campus allows Rosemary the opportunity to be fully
engaged in the campus life experience. A Student Life orientation
leader and active member of the Conduct Board for Judicial Affairs,
Phi Eta Sigma honors society and Lambda Alpha
Theta sorority, she also finds time to provide service to the
less fortunate in the surrounding community.
Now, after almost four years of acquiring valuable knowledge and
helping improve the lives of others, the soon-to-graduate senior is
ready for the next step. She is grateful for the University’s
financial assistance for helping her achieve her goal, and
confident that wither her St. John’s degree tucked under her arm,
she can meet any challenge.