Last Updated on May 4, 2023
We are happy to be able to be hosting the 35th Annual Scholars’ Ceremony in person on Wednesday, May 17th at 6:30 PM in the John Erickson Conference Center. The ceremony will also be recorded by Channel 972 and aired several times over the days following, and will be available on My Erickson videos.
During our ceremony, we will recognize the 2023 Scholars Class of 19 students, who will don gowns and stoles to receive their Award Certificates.
Each year, this event allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of our talented student-employees and their special relationship with our residents.
Our 2023 Scholars’ Campaign wrapped up on April 30, but donations are still being accepted through the Philanthropy office. Our 2023 campaign goal was $200,000. The final campaign total will be revealed during the ceremony by Patti Santoni, the Director of Philanthropy. All campaign donors will receive a program including the Book of Letters, which is a wonderful collection of thank-you notes from our 2023 Scholars. To those of you who have given so generously, we thank you!
Our 2023 Scholar Ceremony will include not only the celebration of our new scholars but also a Scholar Alumni speaker. This year’s guest speaker is Elizabeth Fadoju, DDS, MA, a US Navy officer and a previous scholar, who worked from 2007-2011 in the Atrium, as a coach, and in catering. She was educated at the University of Maryland, and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. She currently is a Comprehensive Dentistry Resident at the Naval Postgraduate School.
We will also be awarding the Named and Partnership Scholarships during our ceremony. These awards are sponsored by residents, groups, and area institutions, and are in addition to our Charlestown Scholarship to give these high-performing students an additional boost as they pursue their higher education. To be considered, Scholars must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, complete an additional application, and interview with the members of the Charlestown Scholar Committee. These awards will be announced for the first time live at the ceremony.
I would like to take a moment to share my appreciation to our Scholar Committee members: Norma Goldberg, Roland Gray, Mel Milio, Marie Skane, Ed DeLong, Jackie Graham, Mimi O’Donnell, Elva Tillman, Audrey Trapp, and to the Philanthropy Department team of Patti Santoni, and Emily Fowler for all of their ongoing efforts with our Scholar Program.
We look forward to seeing you all at our Scholar Ceremony, as we are pleased to come together to celebrate our amazing Class of 2023. Please know that your generous and ongoing support for our students and our Scholars’ Program makes a difference in our student-employee’s lives, and is greatly appreciated by all.
Charlie Eichenlaub
Scholars’ Fund Committee, Chair