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The Thea Bowman Scholarship is designed to help African-American students achieve success and mature as leaders throughout their lifecycle at Walsh University. The program aligns with the University’s mission and overall commitment to create an environment that is inclusive and supportive to the student’s cultural, spiritual, and personal development and academic success.

photo of students interacting with a professional mentor

Admissions Criteria

  • Ensure you are a traditional, full-time, degree-seeking student of African-American decent with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Completed the Walsh University undergraduate admissions application.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from someone who is not a family member
  • Prepare for an in-person or video call interview to discuss your aspirations and potential impact within the program.

Thea Bowman Scholars Program Application

Yearly Requirements for Scholarship Renewal:

  • Year 1: Fulfill Admissions scholarship requirements and interview. Attend 2 academic workshops (Examples include programs, tutoring, etc.) per semester and meet with the Director of Culture & Belonging once per 8 week term for check in.
  • Year 2: Participate in a student club/organization as a contributing member and meet with the Director of Culture & Belonging once per 8 week term for check in.
  • Years 3 and 4: Participate in a campus/community leadership role (Examples include Cavs Cor Leaders, Resident Assistants, Peacemaker, Student Government, Club/Organization Executive Board Member, etc.). Attend a minimum of one career workshop opportunity (Examples include programs from Career Connections, the Minority Internship Luncheon, etc.) per year. Meet the Director of Culture & Belonging once per every semester.

–and–

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Letter of recommendation by a Walsh University faculty or staff member (submitted to Director of Culture & Belonging)
  • Participation in a community service project (minimum of 2 hours) each Fall and Spring (documentation provided to Director of Culture & Belonging)
  • Complete an annual goal setting session with the Director of Culture & Belonging
photo of Sister Thea Bowman with quote; Give me your time, talent, resources, and understanding to make this a better place for all of us.

About Sr. Thea Bowman

The late Sr. Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration from Canton, Mississippi, was nationally known for her work in advancing and diversifying the individuals within the Catholic Church. By invitation from Walsh’s third President, Br. Francis Blouin, Sr. Thea visited Walsh and addressed a crowd of more than 1,300 individuals on September 18, 1989. During the ceremony, she was awarded the Founders’ Award for illustrating the same ideals as Venerable John de La Mennais and Father Gabriel Deshayes, founders of the Brothers of Christian Instruction.

"We have become a global village; we have to learn to love and respect one another, to work, play, and stand together," said Sr. Thea during her remarks at Walsh. "Give your time, talent, resources, and understanding to make this a better place for all of us."

Sr. Thea was 52 when she died of bone cancer on March 30, 1990. Her legacy as an educator, evangelist and proponent of Catholic education lives on today through initiatives such as the Thea Bowman Scholars Program at Walsh University.

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