Southwestern Magazine | Spring 2022

BEGINNING THIS FALL, first-year students at South- westernwill be automatically awarded a scholarshipbased on their class rank inhighschool or their recalculatedgrade point average (GPA)—whichever is higher. Recalculated GPAis definedas grades earned incorehighschool courses, namelyEnglish language arts,math, science, social studies, and foreign language. All incoming students, including inter- national, homeschooled, test optional, in-state, and out-of-state students, will be automatically awarded the funds as part of their financial aid package. “We believe this is an important step in making a world-class liberal arts education more accessible and affordable to students from all back- grounds,” says Vice President for Strategic Recruitment and Enrollment TomDelahunt. The scholarship, whichwill be renewable for up to eight semesters, is only the first layer of an incoming student’s financial aid package; remaining scholarships and other assistance will be awarded based on a holistic review of merit, financial need, and submission of the Free Applica- tion for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to the automatic scholarship, most Southwestern students will also be offered grants, further scholarships, loans, and/or work study opportunities. Combining multiple awards can amount to a significant discount in Southwestern’s sticker price, making a four-year degree from Southwestern potentially less expen- sive than an education from a public state university. “We recognize that higher educa- tion seems out of reach for so many students,” Delahunt says. “But South- western is committed to putting a distinguished college experience well within the reach of a diverse, inclusive range of students— whilemaking the financial aidprocess easier tounderstand for students and their families.” “We believe this is an important step inmaking aworld-class liberal arts educationmore accessible and affordable to students fromall backgrounds.” Photos by Jeff Teicher The Captain’s Sweet (andDelicious) Surprise DESPITE HISMENACING SCOWL, it turns out the Captain has a sweet side. Each week during the fall semester, about 500 students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a well-deserved treat courtesy of everyone’s favorite Pirate. With goodies ranging from bundt cakes to cotton candy, no sweet toothwas left unsatisfied. Live music was added to the event in the spring for an evenmore festive setting. 8 SOUTHWESTERN T H E C O MM O N S Scholarships for all!