When deciding where to attend college, Abigail Koker a 2010 graduate from Neenah, Wisconsin, says, “None said ‘home’ as clearly as Marquette. The focus on excellence, faith, leadership and service aligned perfectly with my own ideals. Because of the scholarship support I received, I was able to pursue an education in a stimulating atmosphere.”
Alex Johnson
Evans Scholars Fund
Emily Hoffmann
Ignatius Scholarship
Josué López
EOP, McCollow Scholarship
Katharine Moss
Bridge to the Future Scholarship
Liz Heth
Burke Scholar
Abigail Koker
Ignatius Scholarship
Abigail certainly put her values into practice through the many volunteer organizations and activities in which she was involved: Students Taking Active Roles (STAR), Leadership Program Assistant for the Office of Student Development, American Medical Student Association, Biomedical Sciences Student Association, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society and freshman orientation staff. None of these experiences were more influential than participating in Global Medical Brigades, where students work to improve the quality of health care and provide medical supplies for the rural Honduras. Abigail first joined the brigades her sophomore year, and in her senior year made two trips to Honduras as the organization’s co-president. Abigail says, “This opportunity has fully influenced me and guided my career toward becoming a doctor and working in an underserved community.”
Because of her desire to attend medical school, Abigail was granted the Drs. Paul J. and Paul T. Niland Scholarship Fund—a scholarship awarded to students intending to attend medical school. She also received the Ignatius Scholarship for achievement. Abigail’s gratitude to her donors extends beyond mere financial support. “Some of my best teachers are the wonderful donors,” she comments, “putting their beliefs into action by donating to scholarship funds. A scholarship is not just a monetary gift; it is a gift of educational opportunity—one of the most meaningful gifts of all. The opportunity to attend Marquette University is so close to my heart, and one of my most important experiences is learning how best to give back to the community.”
Abigail will be attending medical school in the Midwest, keeping the spirit of Marquette close, “My time here is leading me to be a woman for others,” she says. “I am gaining not only an academic education, but a socially-conscious one as well—one that has shown me how to treat others, and to live life in the best way.”