News Article

Mary Stuart Rogers Scholar Adam Membrey says he performs service work to show others the world  can be a better place and to make it so. Photo by Amy Sinisterra.

Years Supporting Gonzaga: 10
Dollars Contributed: $1 million
Scholarships: 236
Impact: Priceless!

The Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year at Gonzaga University. The prestigious MSR awards are given to students who are committed to serving others, just as Mary Stuart Rogers was during her lifetime.

According to the mission statement of the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, which funds the MSR
Scholarships, Mary “was a compassionate woman, committed to providing opportunities – particularly educational opportunities” for students who are motivated to succeed.

Her son, Col. John S. Rogers, is president of the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, headquartered in Modesto, Calif. The Foundation has established MSR Scholarship programs at seven colleges and universities. Gonzaga is the only institution of higher education the Foundation supports in Washington state.

Why did the foundation choose Gonzaga?

“It’s a Catholic institution where students learn community service,” Col. Rogers says. “That goes a long way for me.

Your students lead by example. It’s a very healthy learning environment. What impresses me about Gonzaga’s students is their maturity and ability to communicate.”

Adam Membrey, one of the MSR Scholars this year and a Special Education major, reflected recently on his commitment to service.

“Serving others helps me stay connected with the world. It is very easy to get lost in technology, in schoolwork and our jobs, and so I find it very important to find moments of service so that I can be reconnected to the very essence of humanity -- love and compassion for others,” Membrey said. “I serve because I not only want people to know the world can be a better place, but how to make the world a better place.”

Membrey, a senior from Spokane majoring in Special Education, expressed pride in being one of the MSR Scholars at Gonzaga in the past 10 years: “I am in great company with others who have received the scholarship, currently and in the past. I am blessed to be a part of such an amazing group.”

Interim President Thayne M. McCulloh, Ph.D., speaks highly of the MSR Scholarship program at Gonzaga and the Foundation that makes it all possible.

Col. John S. Rogers with (from left) Mary Stuart Rogers Scholar Amanda Bross, and her two guests Dana Anderson and Brittni Olson at the annual banquet for the program. Photo by Amy Sinisterra.

“It is only through the partnership of thoughtful and inspirational benefactors such as the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation that we are able to do our work of helping students reach their highest potential in the Jesuit tradition,” McCulloh said.“The Rogers Scholars are given a truly unique opportunity to live out their commitment to serving others. What a beacon of light they are on our campus. What an inspiration the Foundation is in funding this program.”

Each year Col. Rogers, along with his wife and sometimes his grown son and daughter, all of whom serve on the Foundation board with him, come to campus to celebrate the MSR Scholars at a special banquet. This year’s banquet, commemorating the 10 years of scholarships for Gonzaga students serving others, is Oct. 23.

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