In Support of Catholic Education

The Supreme Council provides over $1 million in scholarships to college students every year

By Cecilia Engbert

April 2, 2025

The Knights of Columbus has aided young people in the pursuit of higher education, including priestly and religious formation, since its earliest days. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council awarded scholarships totaling close to $1.3 million to more than 500 students.

Most scholarship recipients are the children of Knights, and some are Knights themselves, attending Catholic universities, colleges or seminaries in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico or the Philippines.

As the deadline for all Knights of Columbus Supreme Council scholarships approaches April 15, four current college Knights share how the scholarships they were awarded for this academic year have allowed them to cultivate their faith and intellectual formation at Catholic institutions. Each of them also shares how their membership with the Knights has motivated them to become more involved in the life of the Church.

*****

Thomas Rodgers

Freshman at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania
Msgr. Thomas U. Reilly Council 5611 in Belmar, New Jersey

What are you studying and why?

I am studying criminal justice with the goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. Back home, I am a volunteer emergency medical technician on my local emergency medical services squad. Responding to calls, I witnessed firsthand police officers respond to emergencies and became interested in the field. I have seen them in action on CPR calls, drug overdoses and even calls as simple as helping carry or transport people unable to move themselves. Talking with the officers and detectives about their jobs have guided me in my own career path.

How did you choose St. Francis University? How has attending a Catholic college influenced you?

I chose St. Francis University because I wanted to attend a university that wasn’t too large or too small. A sense of community is important to me. They also have solid academic programs and offered me academic scholarships that made the tuition more affordable.

Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?

Since high school, I knew I wanted to join the Knights of Columbus and follow in the footsteps of the men in my family. My grandfather, father and uncle are Knights, and I wanted to continue the tradition.

How have you found yourself living the faith in college?

My Catholic faith is an important part of who I am. I think the way I best demonstrate my faith is through volunteering as an EMT with my local rescue squad, through which I have responded to over 550 first aid and fire calls.

How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?

I was flipping through the parish bulletin when I spotted an advertisement for the Knights of Columbus scholarships. I decided at once to apply, hoping I’d be a suitable candidate. The scholarship is an enormous help in paying for college tuition and I would recommend any students planning to attend a Catholic university to apply. I feel honored to be part of such an amazing organization and blessed to be a recipient of one of its scholarships.

What are some words of encouragement or advice that you would offer to your peers to keep their Catholic faith alive in college?

You can keep your Catholic faith alive in college by attending Mass, serving the local community, and attending faith-related events sponsored by the university or Catholic student groups.

*****

Harper Herzog

Freshman at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas
St. Benedict’s College Council 4708 in Atchison

What are you studying and why?

I am studying secondary education and history, which I chose because understanding God’s role in human history, and being able to communicate this, is absolutely crucial. Upon graduating, or perhaps before, I hope to either enter seminary or a field of teaching, depending on God’s will.

How did you choose Benedictine College? How has attending a Catholic college influenced you?

It was very important to me to attend a Catholic college, and Benedictine stood out as the best fit. From the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas to understanding world history from the perspective of the Catholic intellectual tradition, having a faithfully Catholic education makes a huge difference.

Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?

I wanted to help out and become more involved in the Church, specifically at the parish level. The best way to do this seemed to be via the Knights, so I joined as soon as I turned 18. As a Knight, I’ve helped run events, organize fundraisers and assist Catholic movements.

How have you found yourself living the faith in college?

I have found myself living my faith through my college experience so far by forging friendships with others who want to advance in holiness, embracing the beautiful and rich traditions of Catholicism, studying the faith, and working to grow in prayer. This includes serving at Mass, daily prayer and getting involved in various Catholic associations either on or off campus.

How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?

I heard about the K of C scholarships through some members of my local parish’s K of C council, Bend (Oregon) Council 1872. I decided to apply because I figured there was no better place to go for help offsetting the costs of a good Catholic education. I recommend that other students apply for K of C scholarships, as they are an excellent resource to make attending a truly faithfully Catholic college where you can strengthen your faith and mind a reality.

What are some words of encouragement or advice that you would offer to your peers to keep their Catholic faith alive in college?

Keep to prayer and the sacraments above all else and always remain absolutely committed to Holy Mother Church.

*****

Ciaran Walsh

Freshman at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida
John Paul the Great Council 486 in Middletown, New York

What are you studying and why?

I am studying exercise physiology as the first step to obtaining a doctorate in physical therapy. I chose this area of study because I wanted to combine my love of sports and physiology with my desire to help people.

How did you choose Ave Maria University? How has attending a Catholic college influenced you?

I chose Ave Maria University because it is foundationally built on the Catholic faith and fostering a Catholic culture, and I was particularly excited by its exercise physiology program. It was important to me to attend a Catholic college so I could continue growing in my faith and be surrounded by like-minded peers. Attending a Catholic college has influenced me to pursue a closer relationship with God as well as continue to seek knowledge and a deeper understanding of the faith.

Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?

I began my journey to become a Knight of Columbus at the age of 12 when I joined the Columbian Squires. Once I turned 18, I joined John Paul the Great Council 486 at my parish, St. Joseph Church in Middletown, New York. My grandfather and uncles were Knights, and my father and I are both members of Council 486. My younger brothers also plan to join the Knights once they are of age.

How have you found yourself living the faith in college?

Being Catholic is everything to me. It’s who I am. Thanks to a vibrant Catholic culture on campus, I am living out my faith not only through my classes but also by attending daily Mass and regular adoration as well as sharing night prayer with other men on campus. I also meet weekly with two different small groups where we discuss Ascension Press’ Bible in a Year podcast as well as other ongoing projects and assignments.

How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?

I inquired about scholarships through the Knights of Columbus because I knew that pursuing a doctorate would come at a significant cost. When it comes to tuition, every little bit of help makes a difference, so I am sincerely grateful to have received this scholarship from the Knights.

*****

Francisco Reuland

Freshman at the University of Dallas, Texas
St. Monica Council 5656 in Dallas

What are you studying and why?

I am studying history because I am intrigued with the subject in all of its aspects. There is a common factor in all fields of study and that is history; it’s in every part of our lives. I hope to pursue a doctorate degree and become a professor so I can share my love of history with others.

How did you choose to attend the University of Dallas? How has attending a Catholic College influenced you?

I chose the University of Dallas because of its reputation as a Catholic institution and its large presence within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where I grew up. It was important for me to attend a Catholic university as I wanted to continue my studies in the wonderful environment that it provides. I attend Mass daily, and I am constantly amazed by not only the religious knowledge and faith of my peers, but also their academic knowledge and integrity.

Why did you decide to join the Knights of Columbus?

I knew I wanted to join the Knights of Columbus when I was 17. As an usher at my parish, I constantly met new parishioners and observed how serving others, even simply holding a door open, makes a difference to others. On several occasions, I was invited to join the Knights, and as soon as I turned 18, I joined my parish’s council. Now I am very involved with my council, attending council meetings and helping with monthly fundraisers. This Lent, my council has its annual Lenten fish dinners, and I am spending most of my Fridays volunteering and helping provide meatless dinners for the parish and surrounding community.

How did you hear about the scholarships available through the Knights of Columbus?

I heard about the scholarship through the head usher at my parish. He recommended that I apply because of my service in the parish. The scholarship I received paid for all my books, which is a huge blessing. I am especially grateful to the Knights of Columbus for believing in me and supporting me with this scholarship.

What are some words of encouragement or advice that you would offer to your peers to keep their Catholic faith alive in college?

I would tell my peers to continue going to Mass and never let your faith waiver. Prayers are important in every setting; this cannot be overstated. It is also important to read (and re-read) the Bible in order to learn the long history of God’s good works.

*****

For more information about the various Knights of Columbus Supreme Council scholarships, visit kofc.org/scholarships. Applications for the upcoming academic year are due April 15.