Alfie Scholars Increases Award

Seattle University’s Alfie Scholars Program, which provides financial support for underrepresented college transfer students to obtain a bachelor’s degree and become leaders for civility, has increased its award from $10,000 to $15,000 annually. The program is now accepting applications until April 12 for the 2019-2020 academic year cohort.

The Alfie Scholars Program admits 10 Alfie Scholars each year. The increased financial support also applies to current students in the two-year program.

In addition to the scholarship, each student receives individual advising and instruction, academic enrichment programs and leadership and civility training.

“We believe that a robust and sustainable society relies upon an educated and engaged population that practices civility,” said Paula Lustbader, JD, professor emerita of the School of Law and executive director of Alfie’s Fund and The Civility Fund. “We seek to increase diversity and promote civility on campus and in the professions. We hope to lessen the financial and cultural barriers that transfer students from underrepresented segments of our population face in their pursuit of obtaining a bachelor’s degree.”

Alfie Scholars are funded by The Civility Fund, founded in 2014 by Lustbader’s father, Alfred Lustbader.  Three cohorts of students have been accepted since 2016. Because of their impressive academic performance and the impact the Scholars have had on campus, coupled with the reality of rising tuition costs, the fund decided to increase the annual scholarship award, said Carol Cochran, director of Alfie Scholars.

To be considered for an Alfie scholarship, applicants must have gained acceptance into Seattle University undergraduate programs through the regular transfer application processes and must have additional minimum qualifications. More information is available at www.alfiescholars.org