Schmitt Scholars Program
The Schmitt Scholars Program promotes the development of promising Saint Xavier University student leaders, helping participants advance their leadership efforts at SXU and preparing them to make a broader impact on the world after graduation. Schmitt Scholars receive a merit-based scholarship and participate in a program of activities that provide them with opportunities to reflect on and develop their leadership potential.
The program is supported by the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation, which dedicates its resources to fashioning a better and more humane world. Arthur J. Schmitt was a successful entrepreneur, engineer and inventor who was committed to the education of educated, ethical and spiritually reflective leaders. His legacy has supported generations of Schmitt Scholars at selected colleges and universities throughout the Midwest.
Each year, students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and strong academic performance are invited to nominate themselves as a Schmitt Scholar. For additional information on the Schmitt Scholars Program, please contact the program's co-leads Dr. Natalie Page (npageFREESXU), Dr. Manal Kanaan (kanaanFREESXU), and/or Tatiana Alaraj (alarajFREESXU).
Schmitt Scholars FAQ
Our criteria for selecting Schmitt Scholars focuses on students' leadership potential and academic achievement. Applicants are required to demonstrate a record of academic excellence with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better; active involvement in student organizations, extracurricular academic projects and other University-sponsored and community-based programs; and evidence of the ability to assume a leadership role on campus and beyond. Students invited to apply for the program must be full-time undergraduate, degree-seeking students with sophomore standing or higher. Students in any major are eligible for the program.
By participating in the Schmitt Scholar program, students will be expected to:
- Attend a variety of workshops aimed to enhance leadership skills across communication, conflict management, and project management.
- Acquire and read the Arthur J. Schmitt book (provided for Scholars)
- Complete the CliftonStrengths and 16 Personalities assessments and attend the hosted workshop to further understand and explore one's leadership identity.
- Develop a leadership philosophy statement using provided guidelines and Arthur J. Schmitt reading and integrate information learned from assessments.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a group project.
- Attend the Synergy Leadership Summit and present one educational leadership session at the Synergy Leadership Summit on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Create or enhance a LinkedIn account and connect with a minimum of 25 individuals including current Schmitt Scholars and co-leaders.
- Attend the End of Year Symposium (mandatory) and briefly share your leadership philosophy statement with Schmitt Scholars Leadership as well as contribute to the presentation of your group's leadership project.
Ready to Become a Leader?
We ask that each student applies to the program, where you have a chance to earn a scholarship. Applications will close on April 5, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Check out the Schmitt Scholar Leaders Program in the Scholarship Directory and apply today!
"My name is Deborah Scott, and I am a junior at Saint Xavier University. I'm currently majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in ESL (English as a Second Language) and an endorsement in Special Education. This previous school year was actually my first year attending Saint Xavier and this will be my first time being a Schmitt Scholar as well. My most current leadership experience is working as one of the lead teachers in an infant classroom which has been a rewarding experience as I study early childhood education. Many of my previous leadership experiences also involved educating, volunteering, and working with young children. When I am not working or in class, I enjoy drawing, reading, and writing poetry."
"Hi! My name is Hanan Hamdan and I am a senior here at Saint Xavier University. I am majoring in accounting and plan to take the Certified Public Accounting exam soon after I graduate. At the university, I am currently involved in the Accounting Student Organization where we educate others about different accounting aspects and help them to connect with professionals. Outside the university, I volunteer at the local Mosque and tutoring center which helps shape my leadership and communication skills. During my free time, I like to spend time with family and friends, explore the city, and watch movies. I'm excited to see where my experiences at Saint Xavier will take me!"
"My name is Grace Van Cleave and I am currently a junior here at Saint Xavier University. I am aspiring to have a career in sports journalism and/or sports media. At the University, I am the editor in chief for the official student newspaper of SXU, the Xavierite. In addition to being the editor in chief, I write for the sports section almost every week. Additionally, I co-host The Game Plan, a sports show, every Friday for our radio station, WXAV 88.3 FM. Outside of campus, I am an assistant coach with the Evergreen Park girls' softball league. I have also recently been hired to illustrate a children's book of limericks. I believe journalism and media are a key part of our lives and there are ways we can adjust, transform and refurbish the current state of both professions to truly make them the voice of the people they serve."
"Hi, my name is Giuliana Islas and I am a senior majoring in strategic and media communication, and minoring in film and media studies. I am very excited to be starting my final year at SXU! Outside of Schmitt Scholars, I am President of SGA, President of Drama Club, and the Opinions Editor for the Xavierite. This will be my second year as a Schmitt Scholar and I cannot wait to expand on my work from this past year."
"Hi! My name is Laikin and I am a speech-language pathology major. I am a resident peer academic leader, clerical worker in the Office of Student Life, and a waitress at a fine dining restaurant. I am involved in the National Speech-Language-Hearing Association club as well as a member of Pals for Change."
"My name is Dean Tsoumbakopoulos. I am a junior majoring in criminal justice with a minor in sociology and political science. I aspire to have a career as a constitutional lawyer and one day become a federal judge. I've worked as a learning assistant since my freshmen year. I collaborate with professors to lead and teach an English 120 Lab course, developing lesson plans and resources to supplement the students' writing skills and knowledge. After presenting at the 2023 Research Expo and winning best-in-show for the Humanities Department, I plan to dedicate more time to independent research. I believe an interdisciplinary approach to research and interpretation of the law is what will produce the most sincere and significant results, and I intend to integrate this approach into my research here at SXU, as well as in my eventual judicial career."
"My name is Julian Juarez-Butler and I am a senior at Saint Xavier University, where I am majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Psychology. I am currently an Orientation Leader who helps make the transition for first years a little easier. I am the President of Unidos, a clerical worker in the Office of Student Life, and the Peer Minister of Quest, which is a first-year and transfer retreat opportunity. Outside of school, I am a rehabilitation aide at Athletico Physical Therapy and this gives me the leadership skills that I'm going to need when I become a therapist."
"I am Angel Escobedo. I was born into a working-class family, and as a first-generation Hispanic college student, I've worked tirelessly to create a better future for myself. I'm completing a Business Administration and Management degree at SXU. My work ethic was instilled in me at a young age. I began working when I was 14 and have held many jobs since. At 19, I was named the youngest UPS Automotive Supervisor in the country, a testament to my dedication and leadership skills. Outside of work, I have several interests that keep me busy. I'm passionate about cars and enjoy learning about the latest automotive trends and developments. I'm also interested in investing and study the stock market in my spare time. I'm excited about my future, grateful for the opportunities I've been given and am committed to achieving my goals."
"Hi! My name is Ella Kargle, and I am majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Saint Xavier University. In the past, I participated in a multitude of organizations and leadership experiences, but my favorites were the Family Career and Community Leaders of America and the Livingston County Commission on Children and Youth. As a first-year, I have enjoyed participating in the Honors Program and working in the financial aid office. In my free time, I love to drink coffee, read, and spend time with friends!"
Biography coming soon.
"My name is Maxwell Kasick. I'm a transfer student in my Junior year. My current major is social sciences secondary education. In my spare time I love to listen to music, play video games, and read. I also love to learn new things and SXU has been the place to do so! Throughout my academic career I have involved myself in a variety of activities such as speech team, history clubs, and faith-based clubs. I volunteer at my church when I can and work part time at my local library."