The cost of attending a private, four-year university can be a challenge, but we believe that every student should be given the opportunity to succeed. That’s why the National Alumni Association has created a scholarship program that grants financial aid to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to serving their communities. Since 1989, we have provided more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to more than 80 students. Our scholarship program is just one of the many ways in which we support our future alumni in making their dreams a reality.

Each year the National Alumni Association awards five scholarships to members of the graduating class. To be eligible, a student must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Two guidelines are used in selecting the recipients: financial need and service to the Mount and the student’s local community.

The five members of the Class of 2008 to receive the Reverend Carl J. Fives Scholarship are:

Rena Black

Rena is a Theology & English major from Edgewater, MD. She attended South River High School and plans to obtain a Master’s degree in Theology after graduating from the Mount, with a long-term plan to become a youth minister in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She is involved in the Mount Chorale and Music Ministry, is a Peer Mentor, on the Praise & Worship Leadership Team, and is the current Editor-in-Chief of Tolle Lege, the Mount’s Journal of Philosophy & Theology.

"I know I speak along with my four peers when I say receiving this scholarship is both incredibly encouraging and invaluable in terms of financial flexibility. On my part, this award has helped to allow me the freedom to pursue full-time study wholeheartedly, with less concern for a steady paycheck. As I prepare for graduate school, I am quite grateful for the burden lifted by this gift, and I thank God and the generosity of our alumni for the blessing!"

Jessica Compton

Jessica is an Elementary Education major from Germantown, MD. She attended Watkins Mill High School and plans to obtain a Master’s degree after graduating from the Mount with a long-term plan to become a teacher in a public elementary school. She is involved in the Mount’s Environmental Club and Campus Ministry, she is a Peer Tutor, and volunteers with the Special Olympics and Montevue Nursing Home.

"I am honored to be a recipient of the Carl. J. Fives Alumni Scholarship and to be recognized for my academic achievements and service to the community, while here among so many other hard working individuals at Mount St. Mary's University. I feel truly blessed and grateful."

Casey-Mae Fleischer

Casey-Mae is an Art Education & Spanish major from Westminster, MD. She attended Westminster High School and plans to become a high school art or Spanish teacher and coach cross country. She is on the Mount’s Cross Country and Track teams, a freshman ambassador, peer mentor, and Mix It Up facilitator. She is also the art editor for Lighted Corners, the Mount’s literary magazine, and Publicity Chair and Secretary for L.O.F.T., an on-campus residential community.

“Throughout college, I’ve become increasingly aware of the ways God provides for me every day. I am very grateful for His Spirit working through the generosity of the Alumni to provide this scholarship.”

Collyn Moran

Collyn is an International Studies and French major from Baltimore, MD. She attended Towson Catholic High School and plans to become a translator or data analyst for the government. She is on the SGA Academic Advisory Board, Chair of the MD Student Legislature Delegation, and is a member of the French Club, Honor Code Committee, and Academic Appeals Board. She is also a copy editor for the Mountain Echo, a peer tutor, and a mentor at Thurmont Middle School.

"I came to Mount St. Mary's so I could easily get involved in such a close-knit community. So, everything I do on campus I do because I love the school and the people I get to meet. Getting this scholarship for all of that is an added bonus, so it means a lot to me to be recognized."

Shaun Moran

Shaun is a Theology major from Lindenhurst, NY. He attended Kellenberg Memorial High School and plans to obtain a master’s degree in Theology before becoming a youth minister and high school Theology teacher in Long Island, NY. He is a freshman ambassador and peer mentor, Eucharistic coordinator, Kairos retreat leader, and a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team.

"Receiving this scholarship was a surprise and I consider it a very big honor. I feel privileged to be able to represent the Mount's alumni and all that the Mount represents."