By Cecilia Engbert3/6/2024
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council awarded scholarships totaling close to $1.5 million to more than 500 students. Most recipients are the children of Knights, or Knights themselves, attending Catholic universities or colleges in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico or the Philippines.
One of those scholarships is funded by a bequest from the estate of Percy J. Johnson of Seville Council 93 in Brockton, Massachusetts. The Johnson Scholarship is given annually to young men, including several college Knights, who are pursuing higher education at Catholic institutions and demonstrate financial need. Earnings from the established fund provide undergraduate scholarships of $1,500 per year.
As the deadline for all Knights of Columbus Supreme Council scholarships approaches March 15, three current college Knights share how the Percy J. Johnson Scholarship has made a difference in their educational journeys.
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Hans Guenther
Sophomore at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Deputy Grand Knight of Georgetown University Council 6375 and former chairman of the College Councils Advisory Board
What are you studying and why? What do you hope to do after graduating?
I am studying global business at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, with a minor in German. I chose global business because I wanted to combine my interest in finance with my interest in international relations and politics. I hope to go into investment banking after graduating.
How did you choose to attend Georgetown University? How has attending a Catholic college influenced you?
I chose Georgetown University because wanted a school that was both Catholic and academically rigorous. I grew up in the D.C. area and attended a Catholic high school, and it was very important for me to continue my education in a similar setting. Attending Georgetown has influenced me in many ways, including an appreciation for different traditions within the Church, such as the Jesuit Order at Georgetown.
Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?
I wanted to have a support network in my daily life that would help me live out my faith in college and connect me with men from a similar background and with similar goals.
How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?
One of the older Knights in my council told me about it.
How does the Percy J. Johnson Scholarship fit into your overall college funding?
It covers my books and other materials needed for two to three semesters!
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Thomas Donovan
Senior at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire
Saint Anselm College Council 4875
What are you studying and why? What do you hope to do after graduating?
I am studying philosophy because I have a deep desire to learn how humanity has understood the cosmos, human nature and God across the millennia, and to understand how important philosophical contributions have led us to where we are today. Originally, I came to Saint Anselm College as a criminal justice major because I wanted to go to law school. I switched to philosophy after a year because it kept the door open to law school but opened other doors as well. Until recently, I was firmly set on applying to graduate school for philosophy or theology, with the intention of earning my Ph.D. and teaching in a college setting. I am still open to that possibility, but at the recommendation of my piano professor, I am also applying for a Fulbright scholarship to study piano performance abroad in Hungary. In the meantime, my fiancée and I are preparing to be married in October.
How did you choose to attend Saint Anselm College? How has attending a Catholic college influenced you?
I ended up choosing Saint Anselm’s because it was close to home and offered the most financial assistance and scholarships for me. I knew I wanted to go to a medium-sized school, and I preferred to commute, which I have done over the past (almost) four years. In some ways, Saint Anselm College is Catholic in name only, but my education experience has been profoundly influential on my outlook. Attending Saint Anselm’s made me learn to stay strong in my faith with little support, though also little opposition.
Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?
I decided to join the Knights as both part of an effort to become more involved on campus and as a first step in following in my father’s footsteps. I knew that I wanted to join the Knights eventually, so I figured I would join in college and then transfer councils once I graduate and find a long-term parish.
How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?
My mom told me about them, because some of my other siblings had also applied.
How does the Percy J. Johnson Scholarship fit into your overall college funding?
The Percy Scholarship was an extra boost that helped cover my gas expenses as a commuter and a good chunk of my tuition after the school’s scholarships.
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Briant Johnson
Sophomore at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut
Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan Council 12710 in Sutton, Massachusetts
What are you studying and why? What do you hope to do after graduating?
I am studying chemistry with a minor in physics. I chose these study areas because they are required to take the MCAT exam to qualify for medical school, but also because physics and chemistry intrigue me. Learning about how the world works at an intricate level is fascinating. I am currently in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the University of New Haven and will be commissioned as an officer upon graduation. From there, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree and become a surgeon in the United States Army to help the men and women who sacrifice their time, bodies and even lives for freedom and liberty.
How did you choose to attend Sacred Heart University? How has attending a Catholic college influenced you?
I decided to attend Sacred Heart University primarily because of its academic standing in the medical field. Sacred Heart boasts a very high placement rate into medical and physician assistant schools. It was also important to me that Sacred Heart is a Catholic university because I wanted faith to be at the forefront of my education. I have been involved with campus ministry and liturgical ministry, and I am applying for a position on the peer ministry team. We all bond by attending Mass every Sunday and forming close relationships with the Lord.
Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?
Our grand knight, Gary Pothier, approached me about joining the Knights of Columbus. It sparked my interest as I come from a long line of Knights: Both my grandfathers were grand knights. In addition, I wanted to serve the community through the charity that the Knights provide and become part of a brotherhood that puts Christ at the pinnacle of its mission.
How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?
After joining the Knights, I began receiving Columbia in the mail. One day, I opened the magazine to see what had been happening within Knights of Columbus throughout the world and came across the Percy J. Johnson Scholarship. I immediately began the application process.
How does the Percy J. Johnson Scholarship fit into your overall college funding?
The Percy J. Johnson Scholarship is very helpful each semester as it covers much of my meal plan, which is quite costly. Every semester, the scholarship relieves that burden, and I am very thankful for that.
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For more information about the various Knights of Columbus Supreme Council scholarships, visit kofc.org/scholarships. Applications for the upcoming academic year are due March 15.