Celebrate our inaugural cohort of social justice scholars
Congratulations to the first cohort of the Robert and Betty Parkinson Social Justice Scholars. Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, this award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that health care is a basic human right. This year, the 12 Parkinson Scholars represent a group of exceptionally talented students from the school’s Applied Health Sciences and Public Health Sciences departments. They are students who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and plan to use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a Parkinson Scholar,” says Brice Jones, Master of Public Health student. “I look forward to sharpening my attributes as a change agent through this scholarship opportunity, and I am excited to work within a community to develop resources and opportunities that will provide better health outcomes in the area.”
Each Scholar will receive an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship as well as a travel stipend so they may participate in national or regional conferences or mentorship opportunities. With this scholarship, recipients will have the opportunity to expand their social justice leadership skills through community service, scholarly activity, and mentorship of future Parkinson Scholars. Moving forward, there will be up to 10 scholars selected annually.
In addition to the Parkinson Scholars, the Parkinson Award Committee identified three Dean’s Scholars who will receive a $1,000 scholarship. These Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in monthly programming and activities to enhance their leadership skills and health equity knowledge. A virtual celebration will be held for all scholars later this spring.
Thank you to the Parkinson Award Committee for selecting this outstanding group. The committee included faculty and staff members: David Shoham (chair), Kathy Bobay, Jenna Donovan, Patricia Sheean, Daniel Swartzman, and Stephanie Wilson.
2021 Parkinson Scholars
- Abby Davenport, BS in Exercise Science, Class of 2022
- Amanda Gelasi, MS in Dietetics, Class of 2022
- Maddie Grabow, BS in Public Health, Class of 2023
- Brice Jones, MPH, Class of 2022
- Nefertia Jones, MS in Exercise Science, Class of 2022
- Angelika Kwak, MPH, Class of 2022
- Billy Mottram, BS in Exercise Science, Class of 2023
- Kulin Panchal, MS in Medical Laboratory Science, Class of 2022
- Christina Paskon, BS in Public Health Class of 2022
- Faith Rabish, MS in Dietetics, Class of 2022
- Maya Roytman, BS in Public Health, Class of 2023
- Alyssa Stuck, MPH, Class of 2022
2021 Dean’s Scholars
- Karen Gomez, BS in Exercise Science, Class of 2022
- Maria Price, BS in Public Health, Class of 2022
- Sarah Strom, BS in Public Health, Class of 2022
Interested in applying to be a Parkinson Scholar?
Learn more about the requirements and application process.