Spring Merit & Character Awards

The characteristics of a Compton Family Endowed Scholarship recipient include:

• 3.30+ GPA
• Well-rounded sophomore student
• Demonstrates commitment to social justice and concern for others in both thought and action

The characteristics of a J. Paul O’Brien, S.J., Memorial Scholarship recipient include:

• Current sophomore or junior student
• Notable in truly unselfish service to others in school through volunteer tutoring, and/or leadership in clubs or activities that demand sacrifice of time and energy
• Notable in truly unselfish service to others outside of school, such as through service to the community beyond that which is required by class or graduation requirements

The characteristics of a Reader’s Digest Endowed Scholarship recipient include:

• Current freshman, sophomore, or junior student
• 3.0+ GPA
• Participation in extracurriculars

Note: Children of faculty/staff members are ineligible.

The characteristics of a Daniel C. McShane Memorial Scholarship recipient include:

• Current freshman, sophomore, or junior student
• Leadership qualities and proven academic credentials
• Be like Dan: friendly in relationships with peers and adults, fun-loving, and a nice person to be around

The characteristics of a Stacey Hawkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship recipient include:

• Current freshman, sophomore, or junior student
• 3.0+ GPA

Note: There is special, though not exclusive, consideration for students who represent diverse student leadership. Additionally, students may be considered for this scholarship multiple years in a row by re-applying.

The Joe Harvey Memorial Scholarship recognizes a freshman, sophomore, or junior student-athlete each year who demonstrates strong academic performance, a caring attitude, and concern for the wellbeing of those around them. This award was established in memory of Joe Harvey, who was the beloved Head Athletic Trainer at Brebeuf Jesuit for many years, as well as an Academic Counselor until his passing in 2011. 

This award was created to honor the memory of Tim Boldt ’98, who passed away during his senior year at Brebeuf Jesuit. Consideration will be given to a student who exhibits the qualities that made Tim such a special member of the Brebeuf community. Scholarship recipients must display the following characteristics:

• Current senior student
• Fun-loving, gentle, charismatic personality that draws people together
• A love of music
• An enjoyment of learning and reading for fun outside of class
• Tolerance for the views of others
• Ability to bring out the good in others and make them feel special

This award was created to honor the memory of Bart McCormick ’92, who passed away while in college. This award is given to a student possessing the qualities that made Bart such a unique member of the Brebeuf Jesuit family and the embodiment of the Brebeuf Jesuit motto, “Men and Women for Others.” The characteristics of a McCormick Scholarship recipient include:

• Current male junior student
• Charismatic leadership, personal initiative, inner strength, and ceaseless determination
• Compassion, integrity, maturity, and intellectual yearning
• Selflessness, and the ability to inspire and serve as an example for others

This award was established in the honor and memory of Brebeuf Jesuit alumna, Ellen Foster ‘81, who passed away in 1995. This award is presented to a student who displays the qualities that made Ellen Foster such a well-loved member of the Brebeuf Jesuit community, and a leader among her peers. Characteristics of an Ellen Foster Memorial Scholarship recipient include:

• Current junior student
• Current or past varsity athlete
• 3.3+ GPA (Scholarship Committee will verify)
• Joyful inspiration to others
• Unassuming attitude
• Courageous, independent spirit
• Clear-sighted with compassion and integrity
• Has an intense love for, and is a friend to all of God’s creation

Note: Nominated students who meet the junior class, GPA, and varsity athlete requirements are invited to write a 1-2 page essay. After careful review of nominations and essays, a select number of nominees will be invited to interview with members of the Foster family. 

Current junior students (Class of 2024 graduates) are eligible for the Gerdy Grant.

Matthew was born on May 19, 1999, a son of Marc and Lori Ann Gerdisch. Matthew was an energetic, kind, bright and clever young man, with the wide eyes of a child. He knew his job in life was to bring others comfort and strength. Everyone will miss his intent, listening and ability to frame the future as bright and warm. His joy of being a Northwestern Wildcat was unflagging, as he passionately pursued a major in biology-physiology. Matthew cherished all people who found themselves blessed with his sunshine.

Matthew found his path in life: to be a physician treating heart rhythm disease. He had a fascination born of his own heart rhythm disorder, a love of science, and having spent time with legendary heart surgeon Professor James Cox MD. Matthew, his father and colleagues were fashioning a physician training fellowship combining surgery and electrophysiology that will take form in his name.

Matthew loved all things Asian. He held a black-belt in taekwondo, led an Asian culture club, and was planning a return to Japan. Matthew was at home deep in the ocean, scuba diving since he was a small boy. As a SAG-AFTRA member, he acted from the age of two in television, onstage and in voice-overs. Matthew traveled the world with his family and his lovely Samantha–his inseparable partner since age fourteen. They were born on exactly the same day. Matthew was a tech enthusiast, and it was his firm belief that our world would only get better, and we would rally as a planet to meet the future.

Matthew was generous with his heart and always wanted to create warmth and acceptance. He thoughtfully shared his ideas with the deans at Northwestern on easing reentry into academic life for students returning from medical leave. Matthew participated in the National Student Leadership Conference, first as a student and then as a group leader. He loved to teach and passionately encouraged others to learn.

Matthew had a bond with his dear brother Robert, communicating each day of their lives. Matthew finished every conversation with Samantha and every family member with “I love you.” It was one of his many lessons to us. He would wish the same joyful communication to be shared by everyone, known and unknown: never miss the privilege to tell someone they are loved.

“Gerdy” was a quiet place for many people. Curious and unassuming, Matthew accepted everyone he met into his life so he could explore and cultivate their eccentricities. Exceptionally emotionally honest, Matthew made instantly meaningful connections with people. Generously vulnerable, Matthew offered his friends the safety to represent themselves authentically. An avid collector, Matthew was accustomed to leaving nothing behind, and continued to communicate with friends regardless of distance or time. None of his friends ever felt left out or unheard.

This unique combination of qualities culminated in a person who provided an immediate sense of togetherness when anyone was with him. Matthew was a sounding board, a quiet place, and a friendly support for a diverse group of people largely knit together by Matthew’s friendship. 

Science Department

Characteristics of a Jonathan Ilagan Chemistry Prize recipient include:

• Current senior 
• Most outstanding chemistry student

Science Department

Scholarship recipients must display the following characteristics:

• Current senior
• Outstanding in science, particularly chemistry and physics
• Demonstrates significant concern for world issues
• Greatly values friendship

Mathematics Department

The Thomas L. Fialkowski Mathematics Award was established in memory of a former Brebeuf Jesuit math teacher. Award recipients must display the following characteristics:

• Current senior
• Has completed or will complete all three semesters of AP Calculus prior to their graduation
• Has a demonstrated love of mathematics beyond the classroom

Mathematics Department 

All Jesuit schools follow the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, which accentuates five elements that characterize the learning experience in Jesuit education: context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation. The Math Department strives to follow the Ignatian Paradigm to form students who are able to see context, relish experience, act at the presentation of a problem, reflect on what they have learned, and evaluate their learning experience. This award goes to a senior student each year who has demonstrated resilience and growth over time in their mathematics classes.

Social Studies Department

Fred McCashland was a beloved teacher who held many roles during his time at the Prep, including Social Studies Department Chair, government teacher, Principal, and even Interim President. Scholarship recipients must display the following characteristics:

• Current senior student
• 3.20+ GPA
• Goes above and beyond in social studies classes

Note: The Social Studies Department will nominate three senior students who meet the above scholarship qualifications. Candidates are asked to write an essay of 500 words or more on a section found in James Madison’s Federalist Papers. After careful review and consideration of each student’s essay, the Social Studies Department selects one scholarship recipient.

English Department

The Louise Haugh Poetry and Fiction Prize was named in honor of a former Brebeuf Jesuit English teacher. Recipients of the Louise Haugh Poetry and Fiction Prize must: 

• Be a current sophomore, junior, or senior
• Exhibit a passion for creative writing in a variety of forms
• Empower other student voices in creative writing endeavors
• Demonstrate personal pursuit of creative writing opportunities – in and out of the classroom

Religious Studies Department

This award is named for a beloved former rector, Fr. Al Bischoff, S.J. Award recipients must display the following characteristics:

• Current senior student
• Man or woman for others
• Openness and respect for their faith tradition and those of others
• “A” average in all four years of religious studies
• Active member of faith community
• Goes above and beyond in service to community
• Involved in retreats and/or peer ministry
• Demonstrates evidence of personal religious study beyond class work
• Person of prayer

Visual & Performing Arts Department

Bob Lampert, the first art teacher at Brebeuf Jesuit, established this award upon his retirement. It was Mr. Lampert’s wish that the award recipient embody three criteria:

• Dedication in the development of artistic skills and creative reasoning
• Discipline in the participation in contests and the production of a portfolio
• Generosity in the use of artistic skills for the benefit of the school and the wider community

Athletics Office

The Joe Harvey Mental Attitude Award was established to honor the memory of beloved Brebeuf Jesuit Athletic Trainer, Joe Harvey, who passed away in 2011. This award goes to a senior each year who demonstrates exceptional leadership as a student-athlete. 

Athletics Office

The Burlsworth Character Award honors a senior varsity football player who may or may not be a top athletic performer, but who represents the ideals and values that Brandon Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent on the field and to stand as a moral example to his team.

Click here to learn more about the Burlsworth Character Award.

Science Department

Scholarship recipients must display the following characteristics:

• Current senior
• Science-focused
• 3.0+ GPA

Note: The Science Department nominates four outstanding students for this scholarship. Each nominee receives an application from the Business Office to complete. Following receipt of these applications, the James Howard Scholarship Interview Committee will interview each nominee, review their information, and after careful consideration and deliberation, select a scholarship recipient. In previous years, the interview committee has included both Brebeuf Jesuit faculty/staff members, and friends and former classmates of James Howard.