Frederick & Dina Derocher Communication Studies Mentorship Scholarship in Honor of Professor Rita Rahoi-Gilchrest

“I feel blessed to have received academic and athletic scholarships while at Winona State. During my final two years at WSU, I completed an internship with the Department of University Advancement with a focus of raising scholarship dollars for students. This gave me great insight to the need for funding in addition to providing an opportunity to give back to the university. I come from humble beginnings. My parents provided ample amounts of love and support but weren’t able to financially support my education. If it weren’t for the generosity of others, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities to pay for school and focus on my studies. This scholarship is a first step in saying “thank you” for those who came before me and it is my hope to plant a seed of generosity that “pays it forward” for future generations.

I want this scholarship to honor Dr. Rita Rahoi-Gilchrest for inspiring my academic endeavors by bringing the best out of my academic experience. She encouraged critical thought and problem solving – skillsets that are crucial to my success and the financial success of my clients. My classmates and I did our best work under guidance. I will be forever grateful to her for her continued mentorship both prior to and after graduating, and the permanent impact she has had on my professional life." -Frederick Derocher

Scholarship contact is Frederick.