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Congratulations to winners of the 2022 Roderick Boyd Porter Memorial Scholarship:

  • Madison Bohacek
  • Eric Fogle
  • Morgan Kirkpatrick
  • Mara Weekley

The scholarship is awarded to John Carroll students who demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the Humanities. In a novel decision, notes Dr. Phil Metres, committee chair, the Porter committee selected four recipients this year:

Each of [the four finalists] brought us a measure of hope about the future of the humanities... This is unprecedented, but a welcome result, given how proud we are of these four students. Each of them in their own way demonstrate excellence inside the classroom and out, often being leaders in our community in bringing the humanities to life.

Madison Bohacek '23, of  Northfield Center, Ohio, is a junior double majoring in Theology & Religious Studies and Cell & Molecular Biology. She serves as a Peer Success Advisor for the Academic Success Center. Additionally, Madison is a member of the Honors Program, is involved in the Carroll Faith Communities, and is a member of Running Club.

Photo of Madison Bohacek
Humanities will allow one to immerse themselves in the beautiful complexity of the human experience in order to better understand themselves and others.
Madison Bohacek: A Widening and Rich Perspective
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Eric Fogle '23 studies English Literature with a minor in Political Science. He is a first year RA, Opinion Editor for The Carroll News, and President of Writers in Residence. The triangulation of those interests allows him to focus on the two things he loves most: language and people. Originally from Westlake, Ohio, he considers University Heights and John Carroll University his home. In his time here, he's learned invaluable information both inside the classroom and out and he deeply loves the people with whom he continues to learn. He's thankful to have been chosen for the Roderick Boyd Porter Scholarship and looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence within the humanities until he graduates and beyond.

Photo of Eric Fogle
A Humanities education won't necessarily tell you how to do any particular job, but it will tell you how to do it right.
Eric Fogle: Skills Valued by Employers
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Morgan Kirkpatrick '23 is a rising senior from Buffalo, NY studying English Literature and minoring in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. On campus, she is the president of the Pre-Law Society and the English Club, a volunteer with Writers in Residence, and an intern for the English department. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school, taking what she has learned within the humanities and applying it to a career in social justice.

Photo of Morgan Kirkpatrick
What would all these professions look like without care for the human person and empathy?
Morgan Kirkpatrick: Humanities is the Bridge
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Mara Weekley '23 is a junior majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Communication. She hopes to start her career as a classroom teacher and then return to school to obtain a Masters in Educational Leadership in order to pursue school administration. Mara’s interest in the Humanities began during the fall semester of 2020 when she had the opportunity to get involved with the Philosophy for Kids program, spearheaded by Dr. Sharon Kaye. Through that experience, Mara has learned about the criticality of the Humanities within the education system, and has learned to value the knowledge and elasticity of young minds. Inspired by this experience, Mara will strive to implement the core values of the Humanities into both her teaching career and everyday life. In her free time, Mara enjoys watching musical theatre performances and teaching show choir at her alma mater in Hermitage, PA.

Photo of Mara Weekley
The Humanities allow society to come together, to enact change, to make a difference in the world, and to see the world for the beautiful place that it is.
Mara Weekley: Humanities Make Us Human
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For full information on the Porter Scholarships, please visit the Roderick Boyd Porter Memorial Scholarship in the Humanities website.