Monroe Scholarship
The Monroe Scholarship
The Monroe Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship offered to a few exceptionally high-achieving first-year students each year. It is the highest academic honor an incoming student may receive.
Origin of the Monroe Scholarship
Westmont received a $3 million gift from the estate of a former professor and his wife. Dr. Kenneth Monroe, who died in 1987, and his wife, Peggy, who died in February of this year, left assets of more than $3 million to the College. Part of the money funds scholarships for Monroe Scholars, up to four exceptional students who receive full-tuition assistance each year.
“What an amazing legacy Dr. and Mrs. Monroe have left,” past President Stan D. Gaede said. “To be able to provide ongoing support for a distinguished faculty member and some of the very best students - many of whom could not afford to come to Westmont - is a great gift, one for which the College is deeply appreciative.”
The Selection Process
In early January, the Office of Admission will invite thirty of the highest-achieving Presidential scholars who applied by the Early Action deadline of November 1st to attend Scholar’s Day, an on-campus competition to be held on February 6th and 7th. Candidates will compete for approximately five Monroe full-tuition scholarships. As part of the competition, students write a timed response to an essay question as well as interview with two faculty members or administrators. Monroe recipients are selected for their exceptional academic abilities, strong values, character and a desire to grow in their Christian faith. The winners are notified a week after the event.
Here is a tentative schedule for Scholar’s Day.
2008 Monroe Scholars
Carrie Steingruber '11 from Carrollton, Texas; Prince of Peace Christian School
Reyn Halford
'11 from Honolulu, Hawaii; Mid Pacific Institute
Stacey Torigoe
'11 from Hilo, Hawaii; Waiakea High School
Karly Noblitt '11 from Thousand Oaks, California; Thousand Oaks high School
Academic Profile of the Four Monroe Scholars for 2008:
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Average honors gpa of 4.41
- Average SAT (critical reading + math) score of 1550
Fall 2008 marks the seventh year for this program and there currently twenty Monroe scholars who have become members of the Westmont community!
Photo Gallery of Previous Winners
Kyle Watters (2002 Monroe Scholar)
I graduated from high school as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA and a 1590 (critical reading + math) SAT score. My hard work in high school opened many possible roads for college, but having lots of choices does have a down side - you can only choose one. I applied and was admitted to several colleges including Stanford, Harvey Mudd, UC Santa Cruz, and, of course, Westmont.
The two most important factors in my college search were academics and spiritual environment. Many of the colleges I applied to had highly-rated academic programs, and Westmont was no exception. With excellent programs, great resources, and outstanding professors, I knew that Westmont was a place where I could study everything I ever wanted, and more. It was ultimately that other category, the eternal one, which helped me make my decision once and for all.
It is at Westmont that I would be guided by faculty filled with experience, not only in their respective fields of education, but experience in life and in their spirituality.
Neil Bezdek (2003 Monroe Scholar)
The college search was a daunting process. However, after much soul searching, I came to the realization that chasing after fame and fortune would leave me unsatisfied. The truth soon became clear I needed to find a college that would challenge my innermost being and transform me into the man of Christ that I am meant to be. I chose Westmont because it integrates Christianity into the college experience. Students are encouraged to grow in their faith while dealing with real world issues all in a respectable academic setting and healthy social environment.