The Member Spotlight is a monthly look at outstanding mentors and students in the Mentoring Program. Pairs have the opportunity to nominate their counterparts for outstanding achievements or just for being extraordinary. 

Nominated by their mentors, DeMarius, Michael, and Karina are in their sophomore year of college. They were nominated by their mentors, with whom they have been matched since they started in the Mentoring Program in August 2016.

 

"My mentee, DeMarius Rodgers, was selected the end of spring semester as one of a very select group of Ohio University students to join the OHIO Fellows program. You can read more about Fellows here: https://www.ohio.edu/uc/ohiofellows.cfm" - Ryan Pratt

 

"Michael Mohnasky graduated from Bedford High School in 2016. He joined Mt. Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) and was assigned as my mentee. Michael started out with an interest in mechanical engineering, but then after taking some courses realized that he wanted to do more of a medical career. He has done very well in school as a freshman, being on the Dean's List with a 4.0 GPA. He is also very active in service, e.g. MVNU Escape Zone to helping kids from troubled backgrounds. He initially wanted to go for a pre-physician's assistant track and got his STNA certification this summer. In the past few months he took a vacation in Europe, got formally engaged in June and plans to get married next May. He has also decided to be more ambitious and go for a pre-med degree. Michael has been a delight to work with." - Purshotam Punwani

 

"I nominate my mentee, Karina Morales! Karina makes being a mentor easy. She has the desire to get the most out of her education, she works hard, and she genuinely cares about not only herself, but others. This is why she has chosen to complete her studies in the field of biology. As many know, biology is one of the most complex fields of study and Karina works extra hard to ensure her grades reflect her actual knowledge of what she studies. She takes school seriously and is a very hard worker. Karina deserves the spotlight as a member of College Now because her good nature and ambition is worth spreading!" - Melanie Brunner

As College Now celebrates its 50 ^th anniversary this year, it is a great opportunity to highlight so many different facets of our work, including our work with adult learners. We have been serving adults who are interested in returning to school or enrolling for the first time since 1990, and the Jane D. White Fund No. 2 of the Cleveland Foundation has been with us every step of the way!

 

Starting in the mid-1990s, the Jane D. White Fund began awarding grants to College Now for scholarships that were only available to adult learners, ages 25 and older who had attained at least sophomore status with a minimum 2.5 GPA and who were pursuing a four-year postsecondary degree. Moreover, the Jane D. White Fund stipulated that in addition to scholarship dollars, adults were to receive support and guidance from College Now staff.

 

Over 760 adults have received scholarships from the Jane D. White Fund and more than 73% of these adults have earned their degrees! As one recipient of the Jane D. White Scholarship recently wrote:

 

Without the assistance I received, it would have taken me much longer to complete my degree due to the semester balance owed and loans taken out. Not only the financial assistance, but the encouragement, support and guidance of being an adult student was so reassuring and helpful. The community and support I received from this organization made me feel so special.

 

The Jane D. White Fund's philanthropic investment of more than $3.75 million in scholarship support has had amazing results for the individuals who have received these scholarships, their families and our entire region. College Now is grateful to the Jane D. White Fund for its sustained commitment to adults in our community!