We are proud to announce that Nube, a 7th grade student at Risen Christ Catholic School in Minneapolis, is the very first recipient of the Dr. Eleni Roulis Memorial Scholarship. This annual scholarship is awarded to a 7th grade girl entering 8th grade who demonstrates academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning.
The scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Eleni Roulis, a longtime faculty and staff member at the University of St. Thomas who devoted her life to education and empowering students. After a courageous battle with brain cancer, Eleni passed away in 2022. She wanted part of her legacy to endure through the lives of middle school girls we serve at Risen Christ.
Through the generosity of Eleni as well as her family and friends, the Dr. Eleni Roulis Endowed Scholarship Fund was established at the Catholic Community Foundation. This fund ensures that every year, a Risen Christ 7th grade girl will receive a tuition award for 8th grade, allowing Dr. Roulis’ passion for learning to live on in perpetuity.
Nube was selected by the scholarship committee not only for her compelling essay but also because she embodies the very ideals laid out by Eleni. One of her teachers described her this way: “What I admire most about Nube is her perseverance. She is not easily discouraged by challenges and always seeks to improve. Her enthusiasm for learning and maturity distinguish her as a natural leader in the classroom.”
Nube herself credits her mother for inspiring her: “She encourages me to always do better than yesterday.” Looking ahead, Nube envisions a career in the medical field, where she hopes to use her bilingual skills in English and Spanish to compassionately serve both communities. Congratulations, Nube!
To learn more about Eleni’s scholarship or to support it with a gift, please visit here!