The Wisconsin Grant-Private Non-Profit (WG-PNP) provides critical funding to needy Wisconsin residents enrolled at Wisconsin private-non-profit colleges and universities. More than 67 percent of WG-PNP recipients also qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, which is a federal grant for high-need students.
During the past five years, an average of 1,000 students enrolled at Marquette received the grant every year. Marquette has the most Wisconsin residents enrolled who receive a WG-PNP than any other institution in the state.
In 2014, 18 percent of all Marquette undergraduates were first-generation students; of those first-generation students from Wisconsin, 52 percent received the WG-PNP, which provides a maximum award of $2,900 to qualified Wisconsin residents. The award helps bridge the gap of a families expected family contribution (EFC), as calculated through the FAFSA. In 2014, the average expected family contribution for WG-PNP awardees at Marquette was $3,463; first-generation WG-PNP awardees attending Marquette the average EFC was $2,506.
Meet some of Marquette’s WG-PNP recipients below.
Kelsey Adams
Elizabeth Baker
Peter Berg
Haley Buckingham
Natalie Busalacchi
Amy Chang
Braeden Flood
Ashley Grauman
Shabi Haider
Zoe Heis
Heidi Helgeson
Adam Hermsen
Rayann Jaber
Madelyn Jaeger
Gurwinder Kaur
Luke Krajcik
Stephanie Lerner
Paige Lloyd
Aliya Manjee
Dylan Markelz
Eamon McCullough
Hayley Nitschke
Josiah Owen
Emily Paul
Megan Slattery
Casandra Suhling
Ryan Thern
Daniel Tyson
Maryellen Wagener
Marissa Wurster
Stef Yordan
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Kelsey Adams
Name: Kelsey Adams
Hometown: Wausaukee, WI
College: Klingler Arts & Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Women's & Gender Studies (Primary Major), Social Welfare & Justice (Secondary Major), Theology (Minor)
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? I am the first person to attend college in my immediate family.
Why did you choose Marquette? I came for a campus visit my senior year of high school, and I knew that I belonged here.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I wouldn't be able to go to college without it. It is the reason I am receiving an education at all.Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Absolutely, yes. I would not be able to afford to attend such a prestigious university without financial aid.
What will a college degree mean to you?A chance to have a better life than my mom has-- the kind of life she always wanted to give me, but could not, a chance to create real, lasting change in the world. In short, it means everything to me.Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Yes. I have become more aware of the world and its problems, and it has inspired me to try to fix them.
What are your plans after graduation? To work in victim's advocacy, to pursue social work, or other fields like it.
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Elizabeth Baker
Name: Elizabeth Baker
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
College: Diederich College of Communication
Major(s)/Minor(s): Journalism major, Spanish minor
Why did you choose Marquette? When I visited Marquette, I couldn't deny that it would be the best place for me. The wonderful combination of strong academics, school spirit, urban environment and Jesuit values caught my attention and continue to excite and transform me every day.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? If I did not receive financial aid, going to Marquette would be impossible for me. This semester, I will be studying abroad in Santiago, Chile. If my financial aid did not apply, I would not be able to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What will a college degree mean to you? My degree will give me the confidence, motivation and ability to aim for the career of my dreams. I will not be afraid to try new things or aim for a seemingly out-of-reach job opportunity because I know I will always have a strong foundation that is my Marquette education.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Every day and every person at Marquette has given me a new perspective of my life and of the world. I am always open to new possibilities of where my future will take me.
What are your plans after graduation? I love writing and editing writing and am open to almost any opportunity within the field. After this semester in Chile, I'd love to find either a job or volunteer opportunity that would allow me to continue practicing Spanish.
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Peter Berg
Name: Peter Berg
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Double major in sociology and psychology
Why did you choose Marquette? I was drawn to the values that Marquette upholds because they are important to an education. Marquette's emphasis on faith, leadership, service and the mission to "Be the Difference" really spoke to the person I am.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Without financial aid, I would not be at Marquette University. I thank God every day for those who help me in paying for this education.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, without the financial aid offered to me, I would not have attended Marquette.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? My college experience has taught me great patience, understanding and to be passionate in everything that I do.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to get my master’s degree in higher education, so that I can one day, hopefully, make a career at Marquette. I am particularly interested in Admissions and Student Affairs, because I see those two areas as providing the greatest aid to students on this campus.
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Haley Buckingham
Name: Haley Buckingham
Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI
College: J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication
Major(s)/Minor(s): Major corporate communication, minor marketing
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette mainly because of the values of the university. Marquette puts their students first and provides them with opportunities and resources that fit the students' best interest. I also feel strongly towards giving back to the community, and service is one of Marquette's core values.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Financial aid has made a significant impact on my college experience. I am expected to pay for my own tuition, room and board and additional fees on my own which is a lot of responsibility on top of being a student. Receiving financial aid means that I do not have as many worries about how I am going to pay for each semester.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will not only be a reminder of my hard work paying off, but it will also open up opportunities for me in the workforce that I would not have without one.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Marquette has taught me the importance of succeeding as a community. Most of the people I have met at Marquette have been there for me when I didn't even know I needed them. I assumed college would be a more cut-throat, competitive environment, but Marquette has a way of making sure everyone succeeds together.
What are your plans after graduation? I would love to be a part of Teach for America after graduation, because from personal experience I want to change the fact that kids do not receive equal education opportunities due to circumstances beyond their control. I was lucky to be given financial opportunities to change the circumstances I was born into in order to pursue the education I desired, and so I want to pay it back to the next generation of students by participating in an amazing program like Teach for America.
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Natalie Busalacchi
Name: Natalie Busalacchi
Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI
College: College of Nursing
Major(s)/Minor(s): Nursing
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? Yes
Why did you choose Marquette? In visiting the university I felt the sense of community and passion from Marquette staff and students campus wide. I was also very lucky to have been accepted to a university that offered direct admission into a specific college.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? For the past three semesters, financial aid has greatly reduced my cost of attendance at Marquette.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Before I was even aware of the assistance I would receive from financial aid, I was set on coming to Marquette University. I was not going to let the high cost deter me from attending however, financial aid has made it possible for me to attend such a prestigious university.
What will a college degree mean to you? Earning a college degree will be a great accomplishment for me because I will be the first member of my family to have completed college. To me my degree is the first step to becoming a successful, accomplished adult. It also means that I can play an active role in society and my community. It will also allow me move onto graduate school and continue on the path of being a life-long learner.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan to practice as a Registered Nurse and gain enough experience to apply for graduate school. I’m hoping to continue my education and earn a master’s degree in some type of specialized nursing.
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Amy Chang
Name: Amy Chang
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
College: Klingler College Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Major: writing intensive English, minor: business administration
Why did you choose Marquette? Attending a prestigious university like Marquette was always something I knew would make my parents proud.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Financial aid has really made it possible for me to attend a school like Marquette because I come from a low income family. I never would've thought I could afford a school like MU, but financial aid made it possible.
What will a college degree mean to you? It would mean everything to my parents and I. They encourage me every day to work hard to complete my education. I plan to finish my bachelor's degree so that I can give back to my parents what they weren't necessarily able to give to us.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? My perspective on life and education has widened tremendously. I've met new people and taken new classes that I feel have made me wiser and more open to the world.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan to attend graduate school for my MBA. Afterwards I want to work towards giving back, to the community, to my parents, etc. Eventually I want to join the Peace Corps or another non-profit organization that focuses on philanthropist work.
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Braeden Flood
Name: Braeden Flood
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Major-real estate, minor-Spanish
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette for a number of reasons. A few of these include the Jesuit values it abides by, the proximity to my hometown so I could go home if need be, and I enjoy the size of the university in terms of its undergrad population along with the diversity it possesses.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? If it were not for financial aid, I can 100% say that I would not be attending this school, and I don't know where I would be. Financial aid has made me realize just how much a college education costs and even though my parents work extremely hard full-time jobs, that wouldn't be enough to put me through a university like Marquette.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree to me does not only serve as a piece of paper for me, but rather it proves that I have what it takes to survive in the real world through all of the hard work I will have put in throughout my time at University. It also shows employers that I have dedicated my time to work in the field that they are in.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I’ve learned the value of a dollar. A lot of people take for granted the fact that their parents are paying full tuition rates, room and board, expensive textbooks, and the list goes on. In my experience I have had to pay for some of these things and I can tell you first hand that they aren't cheap. It has been enlightening to grow as an adult and to prioritize the things I need in front of the things I want. It also encourages me to work harder so I can enjoy the finer things in life.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduating, I hopefully will land myself a job in the real estate field. I hope to be able to eventually have a family and be able to provide them with a strong education just as I was provided.
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Ashley Grauman
Name: Ashley Grauman
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
College: College of Health Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Clinical Laboratory Science
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? Yes
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette University because they are known for producing students of a higher standard, and I love the city of Milwaukee. I knew the education that I was going to receive would not only benefit me for my future career, but also make me stand out among my peers from other universities.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? The only reason I am able to attend a private university because of financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Without financial aid, I know for a fact I would have stayed in my hometown and worked in a factory my entire life.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree means a future to me. I believe having a degree will help me get my foot in the door, so to speak, of the working world, making it possible for me to be a productive member of society.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I am capable of doing much more than I thought. Whether it be in terms of academia, service, social life, or work, I discovered a confidence in myself that I never knew I had.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan on working a few years as an MLS, most likely in a hospital setting, and then pursuing further education.
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Shabi Haider
Name: Shabi Haider
Hometown: Grafton, WI
College: College of Health Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biomedical Sciences/Pre-Medicine
Why did you choose Marquette? Marquette University is the most prestigious school in the city of Milwaukee. It offers an amazing biomedical sciences program which can help pre-med students lay the foundation for medical school.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Without financial aid I would not be able to attend Marquette University. Since my parents can't afford to pay for my studies it is up to me to come up with the money through loans, financial aid, grants and scholarships.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree means an entrance to medical school. Which in turn means a life as a healthcare professional with the knowledge and ability to help others in need.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? There are a lot of students here from all walks of life hoping to make an impact on their lives and the lives of others through higher education.
What are your plans after graduation? To go to medical school, my dream school would be John Hopkins, and hopefully I achieve that goal.
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Zoe Heis
Name: Zoe Heis
Hometown: Wausau, WI
College: Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biomedical sciences
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? Yes
Why did you choose Marquette? Beautiful campus and good education.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? It has made it more affordable and not such a burden of debt.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes
What will a college degree mean to you? I will have the knowledge to continue my education on to medical school.
What are your plans after graduation? Attend medical school.
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Heidi Helgeson
Name: Heidi Helgeson
Hometown: Beaver Dam, WI
College: College of Nursing
Major(s)/Minor(s): Nursing
Why did you choose Marquette? There were several public schools that I could have attended, but Marquette was my dream school. I worked so incredibly hard in high school to maintain my grades and earn as many scholarships as possible.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I picked Marquette because I wanted to. I wasn't going to let anything hold me back from following my dream. Receiving the Wisconsin Grant the last four years has been an incredible blessing. It shows me that people care about those less fortunate and believe in students to do great things with their education.
What will a college degree mean to you? Going to college has meant the world to me. It gave me an escape from my home life, and provided me on a path to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse and 'making it' in society today.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I have grown in so many ways at Marquette. Through service I have helped so many people, and they have showed me how good people can be even in a not so good world.
What are your plans after graduation? I promise to make a difference in society.
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Adam Hermsen
Hometown: Appleton, WI
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Marketing and Supply Chain
Why did you choose Marquette? I really liked the campus, the city of Milwaukee, their strong business school and alumni network, and I was given the opportunity to be a part of their Men's Soccer program.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will provide myself the opportunity to accomplish my goals and provide me a chance to give back to others in the future.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I learned how people can be so unique. I have met several people from different backgrounds that have so many different interests and hobbies, but at the end of the day, we are all still students at Marquette
What are your plans after graduation? My goal is to get a full time job in or near the Milwaukee area.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Without financial aid, I would not be able to afford to go to school at Marquette University. I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend school here and grow as an individual.
What are your plans after graduation? My goal is to get a full time job in or near the Milwaukee area.
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Rayann Jaber
Name: Rayann Jaber
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: Opus College of Engineering
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biomedical engineering with a focus in biocomputing
Why did you choose Marquette? I choose Marquette because of the great opportunities that were offered in the Opus College of Engineering, specifically to develop my skills to become a better future employee.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I am the fifth child of six to attend college and without the financial aid I would not be able to attend Marquette or even pursue the career I want.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, although Marquette was one of the more expensive colleges I applied to, the financial aid they offered made up for most of it and allowed me to select a college based mostly on what I want out of the college.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree to me will mean stability and autonomy in my future endeavors. I hope that one day after becoming financially stable enough to do so I can return the favor Wisconsin has done for me through charity and volunteering.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I am learning that I am far more capable of things I ever expected.
What are your plans after graduation? I hope to create new medical systems that can help people both close to home and far away in third world countries where they need the medical aid the most.
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Madelyn Jaeger
Name: Madelyn Jaeger
Hometown: Germantown, WI
College: William and J. Mary Diederich College of Communication
Major(s)/Minor(s): Advertising
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because I love what they have to offer and I love the environment.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? It has helped tremendously! Without financial aid I would not be in school right now.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, if I did not receive financial aid for Marquette I would not be here.
What will a college degree mean to you? It will mean everything. It will mean I have received a great education. It will mean I have more job opportunities. It will mean my parents will be so proud of me. It will mean I will be proud of myself.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I have learned many life lessons that I could not learn from a text book. I have learned to grow up and take on responsibilities I have never had to worry about. One being with money situations. Although it is still a struggle to pay for tuition, it has forced me to grow up and fight for what I want, but I know that wouldn't be possible without the financial aid I receive.
What are your plans after graduation? I hope to move to California and pursue a career in advertising.
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Gurwinder Kaur
Name: Gurwinder Kaur
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
College: College of Nursing
Major(s)/Minor(s): Nursing
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because of the amazing nursing program they have, the small student-teacher ratio, and because of the good things I've heard about the school in general.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Financial aid has made my college experience much easier because without it, I would have been at a different school with less opportunities than I have gained here studying at Marquette. Instead of constantly worrying about money and paying for tuition, I can focus on my studies and activities which have enhanced my college experience.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes it did, if I did not receive all the financial aid I have now, there would be absolutely no way I could have attended Marquette and most likely would have had to attend a community college to get my nursing degree.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree to me means being able to fulfill my dream to be in the healthcare field helping people and a way to support not only myself but also my parents and family.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Yes I have. I've learned that college takes a lot of hard work and dedication, something I was not completely prepared for when I started.
What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate and become a nurse, I plan to get a job at a hospital or clinic somewhere in the community and then further my education so I can become a nurse anesthetist.
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Luke Krajcik
Name: Luke Krajcik
College: College of Education
Major(s)/Minor(s): Secondary Education and Political Science, minor in broad field social science
Are you the first person in your family to attend college: No, but my mother is the only other person in our family to graduate from college. She has inspired me pursue and fight for a college education.
Why did you choose Marquette: Marquette University was an educational opportunity that pushed me to develop as a professional and a person. As I was choosing which college to attend, Marquette's mission to "Be the difference" resonated with me. I knew that I wanted study at an institution that allowed me to learn and grow will serving others in solidarity with my community. I could not have picked a better school then Marquette University!
How has financial aid impacted your college experience: While my family loves and supports me, they are not in a position to help me pay for the cost of college. Without financial aid, graduating from a 4 year university like Marquette would not be a possibility.
What will a college degree mean to you: To me, a college degree is liberating, allowing me to take control of my own future.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? How to have an open mind.
What are your plans after graduation? AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, or education/service abroad, like teaching English as a second language.
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Stephanie Lerner
Name: Stephanie Lerner
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Double majoring in marketing and international business
Why did you choose Marquette? Marquette inspires its students to live fully in excellence and faith as both leaders and servers in our communities both here at school and otherwise. I could not have found this experience at any other university and I truly mean that.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I am blessed to attend Marquette because of the financial assistance they have given me. Financial aid has enabled me to take control of my future by attending such a prestigious university.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? It absolutely did. As aforementioned, I would not have been able to attend without the immense support Marquette has provided.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will mean a life of opportunity that not everyone is able to have. I will be able to go anywhere and do anything that I set my mind to.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I have learned that attending college is a huge sacrifice. The student loans may begin to pile up, your future may be unclear, but just remind yourself of the infinite amount of possibilities awaiting after graduation.
What are your plans after graduation? Whatever comes next will be a learning and beneficial experience. I would love to move to a larger city, Boston particularly, and experience something completely new and exciting!
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Paige Lloyd
Name: Paige Lloyd
Hometown: Oshkosh, WI
College: William and J. Mary Diederich College of Communication
Major(s)/Minors(s): Journalism, minor in digital media
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? Within my immediate family, yes, my twin sister and I are the first to attend college.
Why did you choose Marquette? I loved the atmosphere and community that the university spoke so much about. My first tour left me in absolute awe. I remember walking around, amazed that I would have the opportunity to attend such a prestigious college. I am proud to call myself a Golden Eagle.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? The impact that financial aid has created on my education is everlasting, and I will forever be grateful for the chance to study at Marquette University.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? My education is a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly. The assistance that Marquette University and the state of Wisconsin have provided to me thus far means the world to me.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree is everything to me. My graduation day will be a day of mixed emotions: of smiles that are so big my face starts to hurt, and of tears, from the joy and pure bliss I will experience when handed my diploma in May 2017.
What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation include starting a family, and maintaining a job as a journalist in the Milwaukee area. My dream is to work for the Journal Sentinel and I will do everything in my power to get there.
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Aliya Manjee
Name: Aliya Manjee
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Economics and English with a minor in Women and Gender Studies
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? I am part of the first generation in my family to attend college. My older sister was the first, and is a proud Marquette Class of 2014 grad!
Why did you choose Marquette? I was accepted into the Pre-law scholars program and the honors program at Marquette, and being accepted into these programs were a part of my final decision. They both provide great academic opportunities and advising that I felt were unique to Marquette.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Receiving financial aid to attend Marquette has been extremely beneficial to my college experience. I am able to focus on my academics and still be involved in extra-curricular activities. While I still work 15 hours a week to help pay for tuition and other expenses, financial aid has significantly decreased the burden on me and my family.
What will a college degree mean to you? To me, a college degree means opportunity. Having a college degree will provide me with opportunities for furthering my education in the future and building a career.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I've learned and am still learning how to make choices. I have to remind myself that I can do it all, but I can't do it all at once. My advisor, Dr. Amelia Zurcher, told me "Learning how to make choices means choosing NOT as well as choosing TO. Sometimes it’s a lot harder to choose not to do something than to choose to do something."
What are your plans after graduation? I hope to attend law school and am also considering getting a master’s degree in public policy.
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Dylan Markelz
Name: Dylan Markelz
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Information technology and finance
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because of the Jesuit values this institution upholds and also the overall feel of the campus. Marquette is my home away from home.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes. Without financial aid, Marquette would not be a possibility for me otherwise.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree to me will signify hard work and dedication. With a degree, many doors and opportunities will be opened for me to explore my future openly.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I learned the importance of sleep. I always thought I could get by with little sleep, however I found out quickly that will a lot of responsibility comes the need to be fully rested.
What are your plans after graduation? Tentatively, I want to go on to graduate school and get a master’s degree in sports administration.
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Eamon McCullough
Name: Eamon McCullough
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Undecided
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? My grandfather and my father attended college.
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because my father attended Marquette in the 70's. Also, I grew up going to MU basketball games and soccer games.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? It has positively impacted my college experience. It has significantly reduced my stress and my parent’s stress.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, it did. If it wasn't for financial aid, Marquette would have been out of the question.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Yes, I did. I learned about the different lifestyles among people from all over the United States. There are guys on my floor from the west coast, the south and the Midwest.
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Hayley Nitschke
Name: Hayley Nitschke
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Leadership and Organization, minor in psychology
Why did you choose Marquette? I knew MU had the ability to make an influential difference in my academic and career path.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I would not be able to attend MU, or any other University without the help of financial aid. I work 40 plus hours a week, and have a four-year-old daughter to support.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? I would not attend MU if I did not have financial aid assistance.
What will a college degree mean to you? It will mean being able to expand my knowledge and move forward in my business career. It will also mean showing my daughter that you can do anything when you put your mind to it. Anything is possible.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I continuously learn to be open-minded. Whether that be about the course itself or the students in it. When I remain teachable, valuable life lessons are presented to me in every course I take.
What are your plans after graduation? I am currently an intern at Johnson Controls and I plan to secure a full-time position upon graduation. In the future I will look into getting my MBA as well.
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Josiah Owen
Name: Josiah Owen
Hometown: DeForest, WI
College: College of Education and Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Mathematics and Education
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? No, I am not.
Why did you choose Marquette? My siblings went here.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? It has really relieved the stress of having to pay for school. I can focus on my academics instead of working in my free time.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, Marquette offered me the most financial aid.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree means having the abilities to enter the workforce once I graduate.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I did not expect to learn so much about theology and philosophy.
What are your plans after graduation? I want to become a teacher.
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Emily Paul
Name: Emily Paul
Hometown: Sheboygan Falls, WI
College: College of Health Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Majoring in Athletic Training, possibly minoring in Spanish for the Health Professions
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because of the urban location, the fact that it was only an hour away from home, and the education offered in the College of Health Sciences.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I could have gone to other colleges and been in less debt after graduation but I knew Marquette was the place for me, so I took a chance and hoped for enough financial aid to get me through without the possibility of being in debt forever.
What will a college degree mean to you? Having a college degree I will feel proud of myself for following my dreams and doing what I love.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I have learned how culture and diversity really mean a lot to me. Before coming to Marquette I didn’t have a lot of experience with people of different cultures because the diversity in my town is very minimal.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I hope to get an Athletic Training internship that will lead into a permanent role. I hope to attend graduate school for Nutrition.
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Megan Slattery
Name: Megan Slattery
Hometown: West Allis, Wisconsin
College: Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Criminology & Law Studies
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because I wanted to go to a school where I would be challenged academically. I liked that Marquette was big on service, because that is something I consistently participated in during high school.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? My financial aid is the only reason I am able to attend Marquette. My father died from cancer when I was 16, and at the time my mother did not have a job. She now works part-time to support myself and my 3 siblings.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, because without it I would not have been able to attend Marquette. Every little bit counts.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will mean that I have ample opportunity to get a well-paying job with benefits. It means I will be able to support myself and my family if I ever choose to have one.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I have gained invaluable knowledge while attending Marquette. My classes, including my gen. eds. have taught me so much more and in depth information than my high school classes ever did. I work at the Milwaukee District Attorney’s Office, and I use the concepts that I have learned and apply it to my work in the real world.
What are your plans after graduation? When I graduate, I am confident that I will be able to secure a job in the criminal justice system. I am very interested in continuing to work at the Milwaukee DA’s Office.
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Casandra Suhling
Name: Casandra Suhling
Hometown: Sturtevant, WI
College: College of Health Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Speech Language Pathology and Audiology/Health Studies
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? I am the first person to attend college for more than 3 semesters.
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette, because I liked the Catholic values they incorporate into the university. I also felt like I was at home while on campus.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Financial aid has positively impacted my college experience, because it has allowed me to stay at Marquette without worrying about accumulating astronomical amounts of student loans.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Financial aid did play a role in my decision to attend Marquette University.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will mean that all of my hard work has finally paid off.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? College has taught me time management, multitasking skills, cooking skills, and how to be independent.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I will go on to get my master's degree in speech language pathology. After graduating with my master's degree, I hope to work at Children's Hospital or a local clinic as a speech language pathologist.
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Ryan Thern
Name: Ryan Thern
Hometown: Waupaca, WI
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s): Accounting and finance
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? No
Why did you choose Marquette? I wanted small classes and I was seeking a prestigious education.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Financial Aid has made college available for me. It is a necessity for me.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will provide self-security for me.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I’ve learned how interdependent societies and nations are on one another.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to work in investments, hopefully in New York City or Chicago.
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Daniel Tyson
Name: Daniel Tyson
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: College of Health Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Exercise Physiology
Why did you choose Marquette? I have a long line of family that went here who aided in my decision, However, the Physical Therapy Program here is what truly brought me to Marquette.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, as much as receiving my acceptance to the university and the PT Program, my financial aid notification is what solidified my decision over other schools. I was able to, through scholarships and aid, make the bill similar to any state or private institution that I was looking into for schooling.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will mean that I can finally work to help veterans returning from war and injury. This has been my calling for many years and the only way to achieve it is with the education I am receiving.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I learned so much from my schooling about health and wellness but what I never expected to learn is that which I have about myself. The professors and interactions I have had here at Marquette have helped me to realize my own potential for growth.
What are your plans after graduation? I will continue on in my Physical Therapy Program and from there hope to specialize in prosthetics and work my way up to the eventual end of becoming a Physical Therapist in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
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Maryellen Wagener
Name: Maryellen Wagener
Hometown: Niagara, WI
College: College of Education
Major(s)/Minor(s): Secondary Education/ English
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because of its beauty, location and all of the amazing service opportunities provided.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? It has helped me be able to attend this university without having so much pressure of the financial obligations that the school requires.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? 100 percent.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree will give me confidence to go out into the work force, a college degree has always been something that I have wanted and will help me feel more accomplished in the sense that I have been able to reach my maximum intellectual potential.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Yes, my academic college experience has given me confidence to scientifically question concepts and come up with opinions on theories.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I would like to get into the workforce and become a high school English teacher, once I get my feet wet with experience in teaching I would like to go back to graduate school and attempt at a master’s degree.
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Marissa Wurster
Name: Marissa Wurster
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
College: College of Health Sciences
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biomedical Sciences
Why did you choose Marquette? I chose Marquette because of their high academic reputation, the many service opportunities we have here, and because of the PA program.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? Financial aid has impacted my college experience mainly by allowing me to go to the school I wanted to. If it wasn’t for financial aid, I would not have been able to afford Marquette and therefore could not get the education that I would have liked.
Did receiving financial aid impact your decision to attend Marquette? Yes, receiving financial aid made a large impact in my decision to attend Marquette.
What will a college degree mean to you? To me, a college degree will mean an open door to new opportunities. I will be able to go out into the real world to find a job, and put my years of education to good use.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? I learned that it is expected that we go to teachers, mentors and other people on campus for help when we need it. Everyone is super willing to help you out.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan on going into the PA program and then getting a job at a local hospital or clinic.
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Stef Yordan
Name: Stef Yordan
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: College of Business Administration
Major(s)/Minor(s): Finance, Applied Investment Management; Spanish minor
Are you the first person in your family to attend college? No, I am actually a 4th generation MU student.
Why did you choose Marquette? Marquette is as close to home or far away as I make it, and I love the flexibility. Furthermore, I knew I wanted a Jesuit education, and through attending multiple retreats and weekly masses at Gesu, I have grown in Christ here at Marquette. It is an amazing feeling to be a part of such a faith-filled community.
How has financial aid impacted your college experience? I would not be here without the aid I receive. I could not be more grateful for the counselors in MU Central that worked with me and my parents to figure out a way to make the most of what we could afford for me to stay here at my home away from home.
What will a college degree mean to you? A college degree means everything to me. A college degree from Marquette, however, will be my most prized asset.
Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect? Academics aside, I learned a lot about who I am right now and the person I wanted to be. Going into college, I was just a version of myself. Coming out of Marquette, I learned how to be a confident young woman, a practicing and believing Catholic, a friend who is there for people, an effective colleague, a team player, a better daughter and sister, and will soon be a proud alumnae of Marquette University.
What are your plans after graduation? I have spent the last two summers working at Northwestern Mutual, first in their investment subsidiary, Mason Street Advisors, and more recently in the Wealth Management Company. After taking the CFA Level 1 Exam in early June, I will be continuing with my team at the NMWMC as a Portfolio Specialist on the Private Client Services team. Other plans include making it to as many Marquette games and alum events as I am able, as well as giving back to the place that changed my life.
