Fairfield University student Stephanie Stadig has been chosen to receive a prestigious William G. McGowan scholarship worth $18,000 to go toward her senior year's tuition in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

The highly competitive scholarship program, which is open to students enrolled in AACSB-accredited business schools throughout the United States, rewards applicants who achieve academic excellence, demonstrate leadership skills, show an intellectual curiosity, display entrepreneurial potential, and are involved in campus and community activities.

Stadig, a Shrewsbury, Mass., native who is majoring in finance with a minor in economics, said the scholarship means a great deal to her and her family. "My parents are very proud and appreciative of this scholarship which will help me finish off a rewarding college career. Receiving such a prestigious honor that not only encompassed academics but also leadership and service was extremely exciting."

Heather L. Petraglia, assistant dean and director of undergraduate programs at the Dolan School, said, "Stephanie has consistently demonstrated outstanding scholastic and leadership skills while at Fairfield University and she possesses a commitment to service that is unyielding. She exemplifies the Jesuit ideals of Fairfield and she is truly deserving of the McGowan Scholarship."

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc. is named after its late founder, William G. McGowan, former chairman of MCI Communications Corp. It found its origins in his own struggle to finance his education at Harvard. While researching McGowan and his accomplishments, Stadig developed an understanding for the pioneer who took on AT&T and who ultimately helped the telecommunications industry grow beyond land lines. Her scholarship application essay exhibits how McGowan's strong belief in business ethics, service and philanthropy deeply resonated with her. "In the years ahead, I hope to make as great of an impression on society as Mr. McGowan has," she said.

Stadig harbors dreams of starting her own financial services company in an urban or rural area. Her more immediate plans involve taking a service trip to a disadvantaged community after graduation. There, she plans to teach young people about business practices, with a strong emphasis on how an entrepreneurial spirit can aid the communities in which they reside. She credits not only her Dolan School classes, but also her liberal arts education at Fairfield for shaping her aspirations. "In particular; religion, philosophy, politics, and ethics courses have allowed me to understand the importance of a society rooted in justice," she wrote in her application essay.

In addition to her studies, Stadig has found time to be an international student orientation leader, a member of the Dolan School Dean's Student Advisory Roundtable, a class visit host, a Fairfield University DiMenna-Nyselius Library assistant, and a Boys and Girls Club volunteer. She was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society, and Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for accredited business schools.

Posted On: 07-16-2009 10:07 AM

Volume: 42 Number: 8