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Danielle Pittala ’16, a rising senior, was awarded the 2015-16 Staff Association Scholarship in the amount of $4,500 at a special luncheon on May 6. The criteria for the scholarship, which is presented annually to a junior, includes impressive community service both on and off campus, a strong cumulative grade point average and demonstrated financial need.

Members of the University’s Staff Association, a group of employees from across the campus, host social events and raffles throughout the year to raise funds for the award. Over the last several years, the Staff Association has presented more than $100,000 in scholarships to members of the junior class.

The Scholarship Committee, chaired by Colleen Gilbertson, includes Phyllis Weihs, Sharon Ferguson, Cathy O’Donnell, Michael Prescott, and Cindy Russo. Their task of selecting a candidate from a talented group of students each year is a difficult one.

“They were all very qualified and represented a variety of majors and diversity of interests,” said Phyllis Weihs. “Danielle was chosen for her highly devoted work as a campus leader, RA, her community service, her work as a nurse, and her commitment to Relay for Life in honor of her mother’s memory. Her choice to serve �����Ƶ and her community demonstrates our Jesuit mission in action. We were proud to award Danielle this award to help defray her college expenses, and wish her continued success in her endeavors.”

Danielle is a nursing major with minors in both philosophy and applied ethics. “My studies in ethics will hopefully be very valuable in whatever field of nursing I go into,” Danielle said. “I’m excited about all the opportunities there are.” This summer, she will be working as a nursing intern in the Valor Program at the Veterans Affairs Hospital of West Haven, where she hopes to start her career after graduation. She also hopes to continue her education at �����Ƶ in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program.

In the upcoming year, Danielle will continue her role as the senior resident assistant in Campion Hall, where she works with her staff to provide programs and guidance for the Health and Wellness Living and Learning Community.

Danielle is also involved in the Student Nurses Association and Rotaract Club. She was an Orientation support team member, and will serve for a second year as event chair for the Relay for Life event on campus.

“As the oldest of four siblings, this scholarship really makes a difference for me in my senior year,” Danielle said. “I’m so humbled to receive it, and appreciate all the members of the Staff Association for supporting me.”