STLCC Students Earn Community College President’s Scholarships

Four St. Louis Community College students have been chosen to receive the Community College President’s Scholarship to attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The students are Hiba Allabwani, Mindy Kent, Ashley Knobbe and Sean Walsh.

This scholarship is awarded jointly by the presidents of STLCC’s campuses and UMSL. The scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees for up 15 credit hours in each the fall and spring semesters for up to two years (not to exceed 60 credit hours). It also covers tuition and fees for up to 5 credit hours in one summer semester.

Hiba Allabwani will graduate from STLCC with an associate degree in general transfer studies. She plans to study computer science at UMSL and hopes to pursue a master’s degree and possibly a doctorate.

Allabwani is a full-time student and mother of two small children. While not involved in campus life, she did participate in the honors program at both the Meramec and Forest Park campuses and completed 16 honors credits.

“I learned a lot during my two years at the STLCC,” Allabwani said. “I started my journey at the STLCC after a six-year gap in education and I didn’t know anything about the American education system. My two years at the STLCC helped and prepared me for my next step at UMSL. My academic advisor and all my professors were phenomenal and extremely supportive.”

Mindy Kent is completing her associate degree in general transfer studies at Forest Park. At UMSL, Kent plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and hopefully a master’s degree as well.

Kent has focused on her coursework at Forest Park as well as out-of-school activities. Those activities consist of volunteering with food distribution for the poor as well as working as an advisor for NCSY. This non-profit is a multi-faceted Jewish Youth group which is open to all Jewish youth regardless of background and affiliation. Offering social and educational programming in hundreds of communities across the U.S. and Canada, NCSY is a leader in bringing unaffiliated youth an awareness of what Judaism is all about. For Jewish teenagers, NCSY is a relaxed, fun environment to learn about their own heritage.

“I think STLCC has done a fantastic job at preparing me for my next educational endeavors,” Kent said. “All the instructors and staff I have encountered have been very helpful and crucial to my success.”

Ashley Knobbe graduated from STLCC in 2019 with an associate degree in general fine arts. She took classes at the Florissant Valley campus, and will be seeking a bachelor’s degree in studio art education at UMSL. She hopes to become an art teacher.

“I aspire to be a teacher who supports and uplifts my students,” Knobbe said. “I want to teach children to enhance their creative thinking. I want to inspire my students. I will be a role model for my students and support them. When circumstances arise, I will be receptive and guide my students in the right direction.”

STLCC-Florissant Valley, as well as Meramec, are two of the few community colleges in the country to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. NASAD establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and helps institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.

Knobbe took honors classes at Florissant Valley and participated in the Art Club. Outside of college, she performed volunteer work. She participated in Florissant Valley’s Portfolio Day, during which college representatives visit campus to speak specifically with Florissant Valley art students selected to showcase their work during this event.

“Florissant Valley's high standards prepare students to transfer to any college imaginable,” Knobbe said. “The Humanities building holds some of the most knowledgeable and friendly art teachers there are. My experience at STLCC was very memorable and the skills I acquired will last me a lifetime.”

Wildwood student Sean Walsh will graduate with an associate degree in general transfer studies and a 3.9 GPA. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, he aspires to work for the United States Peace Corps for two years before entering the field of counseling. His ultimate career goal is to support individuals who are struggling with addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“While I’ve always had an interest in working in mental health, COVID-19 has ignited my desire to continue my studies of the mind,” he said. “I want to help people move forward from trauma.”

Walsh guided the Wildwood Phi Theta Kappa team through its fall blood drive, responding to the supply shortage due to COVID-19. Walsh knew first-hand how much this community connection project would help patients most in need, as he had donated plasma prior to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, confirming that he had antibodies in his blood that could help others fight COVID-19.

Outside of class, Walsh enjoys camping, hiking and river boating. He is an Eagle Scout, an avid reader and a travel enthusiast. Walsh said involvement in campus life enhanced his college experience, and highly recommends students do so to find their fit.

“I remember when I first started college it was an intimidating environment, but the friends I made along the way eased my worries,” Walsh said. “I’m thankful for these connections because they have made my college experience at STLCC so much better than I ever expected.”