SXU Honors 2020-2021 Cuneo Scholars

Saint Xavier University (SXU) congratulates Ximena Garcia '22 and Karina Garcia '24 on being chosen as Cuneo Scholars for the 2020-2021 academic year. Both will receive a $25,000 scholarship through a charitable grant financed by the Cuneo Foundation. Ximena is a returning Cuneo Scholar and Karina is receiving the award for the first time.

"I have absolute confidence that Ximena and Karina will continue the tradition of excellence that distinguishes our Cuneo Scholars. Both are highly involved in a number of activities and are clearly motivated by a real desire to help improve their communities through servant leadership," said SXU President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D. "Saint Xavier reiterates its gratitude to the Cuneo Foundation for its steadfast support of our Mercy mission and our students."

Ximena Garcia is a third-year nursing major who aspires to work as a neonatal nurse practitioner. She is highly involved in the Saint Xavier Service Club, the Cougar Service Scholars and the Jazz Ensemble, through which she was able to travel to New Orleans in January to take part in the JENeration Jazz Festival. She has a passion for service and volunteer work.

"The Cuneo scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies as opposed to how I might fund them," said Ximena Garcia. "I hope to give back to my community through volunteering, mentorship and service as a nurse practitioner."

Karina Garcia is a first-year nursing student who worked side by side with health professionals while volunteering at Loyola Hospital. She was also highly involved in robotics, tennis, soccer and a number of volunteer experiences during her time at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy.

"This is an incredible opportunity that allows me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse," said Karina Garcia. "I want to give every mother, father and child the medical care necessary to live a healthy life, and the Cuneo Foundation has allowed me to take a giant step toward that goal."

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