The Transfer for Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to one outstanding transfer student and provides full tuition coverage at the tuition rate of the student’s first year at 91ֱ��. The competitive program is designed for students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

“Transfer students bring valuable experience, perspective, and ambition to our campus community,” said C-SC Director of Admission Eric Kniel. “This scholarship allows us to remove financial barriers while rewarding students who have already demonstrated strong academic performance and leadership potential.”

To be eligible, applicants must be admitted to 91ֱ�� as a transfer student, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and complete the C-SC Leadership Form through MyCulver.com. Transfer applicants must also be in the process of completing two full-time semesters at a transfer institution or anticipate completing an associate degree prior to enrollment.

All eligible candidates will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process, which includes a campus visit with a Wildcat Ambassador, participation in a session with the Scholar Committee, and submission of a written essay addressing a multi-faceted current event topic assigned by the committee.

In addition to the Transfer for Excellence Scholarship, high-performing transfer students may also be eligible for Culver-Stockton’s Honors Scholars Program, which offers enhanced academic and co-curricular opportunities focused on leadership, creativity, service, and research. Students are encouraged to engage in fine arts, athletics, student life, and Greek life as part of their overall collegiate experience.

Candidates who are not selected as the Transfer for Excellence Scholarship recipient may still qualify for up to an additional $1,000 in scholarship aid.

For more information about how to apply for the Transfer for Excellence Scholarship Competition contact the C-SC Admission Office at 800-537-1883 or admission@culver.edu.

The Pillars for Excellence Scholarship is Culver-Stockton’s premier award, designed to recognize and support exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to success both on campus and beyond. Applicants must be admitted to C-SC as a first-time freshman, hold a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and complete the C-SC Leadership Form on MyCulver.com.

Eligible candidates will be invited to campus to participate in the competitive selection process, which includes a visit with a Wildcat Ambassador, an interview with the Pillars Scholar Committee, and submission of an essay on a current event assigned by the committee.

“Our Pillars for Excellence scholarship recipients receive full-tuition coverage, awarded annually at the freshman value, and are selected from an outstanding pool of first-time freshmen,” said Eric Kniel, director of admission at 91ֱ��. “This highly competitive program is intended for students who embody resilience, intellectual curiosity, and leadership, qualities that prepare them to thrive academically and professionally.”

Students who participate in the competition but are not selected as Pillars for Excellence scholarship recipients may still qualify for up to an additional $1,000 in scholarship aid, making the program a valuable opportunity for high-achieving students.

For more information about the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship, visit culver.edu/admissions/pillars, or contact the Admission Office at 800-537-1883 or admission@culver.edu.

Through this program, approved students will have 100% of their tuition paid, enabling them to pursue eligible degree programs that prepare them to serve Missouri communities in public safety roles. This includes approved associate and bachelor’s degrees aligned with fields such as criminal justice, psychology, biology, chemistry, public relations, homeland security, emergency management, disaster management, and other eligible subjects.

“Culver-Stockton is proud to support the individuals who serve and protect our communities,” said Seth McBride, Director, Center for Public Safety at C-SC and chair of the C-SC Criminal Justice department. “Through this partnership, we hope to expand educational access for public safety personnel and their families while continuing to prepare future leaders committed to strengthening the safety and well-being of Missouri communities.”

Scholarship Eligibility

To qualify for the 2026-27 academic year, applicants must:

• Apply by Dec. 15, 2025. (Students must reapply each academic year to be considered for funding.)
• Be Missouri residents.
• Be public safety personnel with at least six years of service, or the dependent child of eligible personnel with at least 10 years of service.
• Meet admission requirements and be enrolled in an approved degree program.
• Not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete the FAFSA and provide required verification documents.

Eligible applicants may be current or former police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or advanced emergency medical technicians, as defined by Missouri statute. Verification may include state-issued licenses, certificates, or employer documentation supporting full-time service.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026–27 academic year must be completed by December 15, 2025. Students must reapply each academic year to be considered for funding.

��How to Apply

Prospective students may begin the application process by visiting the following resources:

• Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship Information & Eligibility Requirements:
• Access the Scholarship Employment Verification Form:
• Complete the FAFSA to Get Started:

For more information, contact McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

The Pillars for Excellence Scholarship is the college’s premier award, designed to recognize and support exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to success both on campus and beyond. To be considered, applicants must be admitted to C-SC as a first-time freshman, hold a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and complete the C-SC Leadership Form on MyCulver.com. Eligible candidates will be invited to campus to participate in the selection process, which includes a visit with a Wildcat Ambassador, a session with the Pillars Scholar Committee, and submission of an essay on a current event assigned by the committee.

“Our Pillars for Excellence scholarship awardees receive full-tuition coverage, awarded annually at the freshman value, and are selected from highly qualified students admitted as first-time freshmen,” said C-SC Director of Admission Eric Kniel. “This competitive program is intended for students who embody resilience, intellectual curiosity, and leadership, traits that will help them excel both in the classroom and in their careers after graduation.”

For students like Keri Schindler, C-SC Class of 2028, the award has been transformative.

“For me, receiving the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship was life-changing,” Schindler noted. “It lifted a huge financial burden and gave me opportunities, from global travel to the honors program, that enriched my education beyond the classroom. My advice to future applicants is to be unapologetically yourself. Your uniqueness is your greatest strength.”

Candidates who apply and are not awarded the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship may still qualify for up to an additional $1,000 in scholarship aid, making this opportunity an excellent path for academically gifted students committed to excellence.

For more information about the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship, including how to apply, please visit /admissions/pillars/ or contact the Admission Office at 800-537-1883 or admission@culver.edu

To be considered for the Transfer for Excellence Competition, applicants must fir meet the following requirements: be admitted to 91ֱ�� as a first-time student, maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, a complete the C-SC Leadership Form on MyCulver.com. Transfer applicants must be in the process of completing two full-time semesters, at a transfer institution or anticipated completion of an associate’s degree. All eligible candidates will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process. The selection process will include a campus visit with a Wildcat Ambassador, attendance at a session with the Scholar Committee, and submission of an essay on a multi-faceted current event, as assigned by the Scholar Committee.

“Our new Transfer for Excellence scholarship awardee receives full tuition coverage (awarded annually at the tuition value of their first year at C-SC). The scholarship awarded annually to one highly qualified student admitted to Culver-Stockton Colle as a transfer student,” stated Director of Admission Eric Kniel. This competitive scholarship program is intended for students who embody the qualities of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and leadership—traits that will help them excel both in the classroom and in their careers after graduation.

“The Transfer for Excellence and our Honors Scholars Program offer high-performing students immersive enrichment opportunities in leadership, creativity, service, and research. We encourage our students to become involved in fine arts, athletics, stude life, and Greek life as they develop the leadership skills unique to them,” Haidee Heaton, Honors Program Director and Fine, Applied, and Literary Arts Division Associate Chair.

Alyvia Wagner, transfer student, testifies to her experience transferring to the College She states, “After meeting with faculty members, I felt like they really cared about me and my education, and that they would help lead me in the best direction.”

Candidates not awarded the Transfer for Excellence Scholarship may still qualify for up to an additional $1,000 in scholarship aid, making this opportunity an excellent path for academically gifted students who are committed to excellence.

For more information on the Transfer for Excellence Scholarship, including how to apply, please visit culver.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 800-537-1883 admission@culver.edu.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 19 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

To be considered for the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship, applicants must first meet the following requirements: be admitted to 91ֱ�� as a first-time freshman maintain a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and complete the C-SC Leadership form on MyCulver.com. All eligible candidates will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process. The selection process will include a campus visit with a Wildcat Ambassador, attendance at a session with the Pillars Scholar Committee, and submission of an essay on a multi-faceted current event, as assigned by the Pillars Scholar Committee.

“Our Pillars for Excellence scholarship is awarded to highly qualified students admitted to 91ֱ�� as first-time freshmen. Awardees receive full tuition coverage, awarded annually at the freshman value,” stated Director of Admission Eric Kniel.

This competitive scholarship program is intended for students who embody the qualities of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and leadership—traits that will help them excel both in the classroom and in their careers after graduation. “The Pillars for Excellence and our Honors Scholars Program offers high-performing students immersive enrichment opportunities in leadership, creativity, service, and research. We encourage our Pillars students to become involved in fine arts, athletics, student life, and Greek life as they develop the leadership skills unique to them,” Haidee Heaton, Honors Program Director Fine and Fine, Applies, and Literary Arts Division Associate Chair.

Candidates not awarded the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship may still qualify for up to an additional $1,000 in scholarship aid, making this opportunity an excellent path for academically gifted students who are committed to excellence. For more information on the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship, including how to apply, please visit culver.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 800-537-1883 or admission@culver.edu

ABOUT CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 19 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.

To be considered for the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship, applicants must first meet thefollowing requirements be admitted to 91ֱ�� as a first-time freshman, maintain a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and complete the C-SC Leadership Form on MyCulver.com. All eligible candidates will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process. The selection process will include a campus visit with a Wildcat Ambassador, attendance at a session with the Pillars Scholar Committee, and submission of an essay on a multi-faceted current event, as assigned by the Pillars Scholar Committee.

“Our Pillars for Excellence scholarship awardees receive full tuition coverage (awarded annually at the freshman value) and is awarded to highly qualified students admitted to 91ֱ�� as first-time freshmen,” stated Director of Admission Eric Kniel. This competitive
scholarship program is intended for students who embody the qualities of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and leadership—traits that will help them excel both in the classroom and in their careers after graduation. “The Pillars for Excellence and our Honors Scholars Program offers high-performing students immersive enrichment opportunities in leadership, creativity, service, and research. We encourage our Pillars students to become involved in fine arts, athletics, student life, and Greek life as they develop the leadership skills unique to them,” Haidee Heaton, Honors Program Director Fine and Fine, Applies, and Literary Arts Division Associate Chair.

“Receiving the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship was a life-changing moment for me. It allowed me to pursue the degree and experiences I had always dreamt of at 91ֱ�� while lifting a huge financial burden. The opportunities this scholarship provides, from global travel to participating in the honors program, have enriched my education far beyond the classroom. To future applicants, my best advice is to be unapologetically yourself- your uniqueness is your greatest strength, and this scholarship will help you grow into the person you are meant to be,” Keri Schindler, C-SC Class of 2028.

Candidates not awarded the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship may still qualify for up to an additional $1,000 in scholarship aid, making this opportunity an excellent path for academically gifted students who are committed to excellence. For more information on the Pillars for Excellence Scholarship, including how to apply, please visit culver.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 800-537-1883 or admission@culver.edu.

ABOUT CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 19 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition a business student can receive at a college or university with a Sigma Beta Delta chapter. To qualify for membership, students must rank in the top 20 percent of the junior, senior, or graduate class and are then invited by the faculty officers. The society upholds the values of wisdom, honor, and aspiration, and each year awards more than thirty scholarships to outstanding members.

Bloom was nominated by Culver-Stockton’s Sigma Beta Delta chapter and has been selected amongst over 80,000 students, faculty, and professionals for this high honor. This scholarship recognizes her academic excellence and commitment to the values of the honor society.

When asked about Bloom, Lecturer in Business Administration Professor Robin Jarvis stated, "Lauren was an obvious choice for this nomination. She consistently demonstrates leadership in and out of the classroom, with her sharp critical thinking, creativity, and ability to inspire others to excel. Her impressive academic achievements, leadership on the volleyball court, and dedication to community service make her a truly deserving candidate for the Sigma Beta Delta Student Scholarship Award." Congratulations, Lauren, on this significant and well deserved accomplishment.

For more information about Sigma Beta Delta and its scholarship opportunities please visit https://sigmabetadelta.org/ or contact Dr. Dell Ann Janney at djanney@culver.edu.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop “the Hill” overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Primo’s in Canton, owned by C-SC alumni couple Jarrod ’00 and Brenna Leonard ’02 Phillips, and Tiramisu in Quincy, co-owned by Roberto Stellino and alumnus Ilija Cucuk ’03, will be open for lunch and dinner. Hebrews XI, co-owned by siblings Jordan and Shalise Steidinger, supporters of the college, will participate as well. Primo’s serving hours are 11am – 9pm, Tiramisu hours are 11am-1:30pm and 4:30-9pm. Hebrews hours are 5:30am-7pm. This event offers alumni and community members a unique opportunity to get involved and support students. Phillips will be participating for the fourth year in a row and shared, “We are proud to partner with Culver-Stockton to help provide students the same opportunity that Brenna and I were fortunate enough to have.” He added, “Any amount of help we can provide to the College and its students allows us to pay back a tiny bit of what we received during our time on “the Hill.”’

Come Dine with Us is a vital part of the annual Day of Giving campaign, which runs from noon on Tuesday, March 19 through noon on Wednesday, March 20. The 24 Hours of Giving will be promoted primarily online through social media and the College’s giving platform, . To learn more about the event, explore ways to give, and hear stories of Wildcats, visit .

“We were certainly impressed with the essays submitted by participants of this year’s Pillars for Excellence competition,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president of C-SC. “The thought-provoking, intelligent responses to the given topic are a clear indication that they are ready to dive deep into Culver-Stockton’s academic environment as they prepare for an exciting and challenging world beyond college.”

Full-tuition Pillars for Excellence scholarships are awarded to highly qualified freshmen with exceptional intellectual ability. Outstanding competitors who do not receive the full-tuition scholarship receive a $1,000 C-SC scholarship.

All Pillars Scholars receive an increase of $500 in travel study grants in addition to the $1,500 in grants that all students can accrue during their four years at C-SC. Scholars can potentially receive $2,000 in travel study funding, which can be used for fees during domestic or international travel courses.

In addition to financial awards, Pillars Scholars are admitted into the college’s Honors Program, which features a comprehensive leadership course, a service-project course, academic mentorship with a research project, exclusive seminar and conference opportunities, and recognition during a congratulatory luncheon and during the college’s commencement ceremony.

This year’s C-SC Pillars for Excellence competition honorees are:

Aiden Abraham, Loveland, CO

Sydney Barkley, Chesterfield, MO

Zoah Beard, Sheman, IL

Marah Becks, Quincy, IL

Aiden Benda, Fort Madison, IA

Evan Best, Moscow Mills, MO

Emily Bishop, Mount Juliet, TN

Maddie Bradshaw, Payson, IL

Chloe Brown, Hannibal, MO

Gabriela Bryan, Abingdon, IL

Jasmine Burks, Clayton, MO

Alexis Clark, Pacific, MO

Karli Crandall, Palmyra, MO

Genna Evans, West Liberty, IA

Aubrie Ferguson, Quincy, IL

Kaitlyn Ferguson, Iowa Park, TX

Johan Fernandez, Decatur, AL

Marcella Frank, Mount Sterling, IL

Julian Garza, Houston, TX

Hailie Hark, Hannibal, MO

Lucas Henriquez, Katy, TX

Hannah Hill, Pleasant Hill, IL

Addison Holm, Lake Saint Louis, MO

Tagr Holmes, Carpenter, WY

Max Howerton, Fort Smith, AR

Sophia Lindall, El Cajon, CA

Michelle Marecki, Lombard, IL

Chloe Mashburn, Cibolo, TX

Rylie McNamee, Manchester, MO

Abagail Mooney, Silex, MO

Brady Mullen, Creighton, MO

Kaley Payton, Ewing, MO

Tristen Pitford, Kahoka, MO

Kolbe Poos, Lees Summit, MO

Elizabeth Reed, Washington, MO

Tennesyn Rohman, Bailey, CO

Ava Sanker, Lake St Louis, MO

Tailer Senn, Billings, MT

Elaina Smith, Quincy, IL

Colten Steiner, Godfrey, IL

Austin Strubbe, Beardstown, IL

Emily Vatterott, Festus, MO

Sydnie Willis, Draper, UT

Haylie Wortham, Hendersonville, TN

Zacchery Zrebiec, Las Vegas, NV