Two Waynesburg University students were awarded Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Organization for Student Success (PA-NOSS) scholarships to be used to offset tuition.
During the last academic year, they were both actively engaged on campus, frequently met with staff mentors, and demonstrated dedication to their studies and the Waynesburg mission. We are proud of them and honored to award them with this scholarship."
Joe Rivera, a sophomore criminal justice administration major, and Sekye Miles, a sophomore psychology major, were presented the awards Tuesday, Aug. 29, on the University’s main campus.
PA-NOSS is dedicated to equal educational opportunities for all persons containing the potential and desire to excel in post-secondary education. At the PA-NOSS Conference in April, Waynesburg University was selected to receive $500 in scholarship funding for its students.
"It was a delightful surprise to receive this opportunity from PA-NOSS during their conference this spring,” said Sarah Bell, director of the Pathways Center at Waynesburg, who attended the PA-NOSS Conference and accepted the scholarship on behalf of the University. “While it was challenging for our advisory board to narrow it down to two finalists, we know that this scholarship will be a great benefit to both Joe and Sekye.”
“During the last academic year, they were both actively engaged on campus, frequently met with staff mentors, and demonstrated dedication to their studies and the Waynesburg mission. We are proud of them and honored to award them with this scholarship," Bell added.
Rivera, a non-traditional student, decided to begin his college journey at age 27. He chose to pursue a degree in criminal justice as a way to make an impact on his community. During his childhood, Rivera said he would regularly see people within his community getting into trouble with law enforcement. That sparked his desire to make a difference. After graduation, he hopes to work with juveniles or in parole, with an end-goal of securing employment with the ATF. As a student, Rivera has been actively involved in the University’s Commuter Club and Act 101 Program. He is married with two children.
Miles is a member of Waynesburg University’s Football Team and also participates in the University’s Act 101 Program. He claims his passion for football and encouragement from his coaches are what helps motivate him to achieve academic success, so he can be successful both on and off the field. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in psychology, Miles plans to continue pursuing his football career.
