Oakton Students Recognized as Wentcher Scholars

(September 29, 2015) Nineteen Oakton students were recognized as distinguished Wentcher Scholars at a recent reception held at the college’s Des Plaines campus.

The Wentcher Foundation created the scholarships at Oakton in 2003. To date, the organization has contributed more than $520,000 to the Oakton Educational Foundation, providing over 200 scholarships for approximately 100 students.

Ernest Wentcher (1914 - 2013) immigrated to the United States from Siberia as a child. After a life of service that included distinguished military service in World War II and a long career in the insurance industry, Wentcher established the foundation in his name in 2001. The organization provides financial support to highly talented students, focusing on academic merit, character, and financial need.

“This is one of the college’s most prestigious scholarships,” said Oakton President Joianne Smith. “We’re very grateful for the Wentcher Foundation for its generosity to our students over the years.”

“These scholarships are an investment in the future of individuals and our community,” said Executive Director and Chairman of the Wentcher Foundation Brian Fitzpatrick.

Oakton’s Wentcher Scholars receive $3,300 per academic year to pay for tuition, books, and required fees. After two years, Oakton students may also apply for a Wentcher Transfer Scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year for two years at a four-year institution.

2014-2016 Oakton Wentcher Scholars
Catherine Cangelosi of Des Plaines (Maine South High School)
Dianna Fulea of Lincolnwood (Niles West High School)
Sydney Geiger-Bryce of Evanston (Evanston Township High School)
Brandon Kabat of Des Plaines (Kabat Home School Academy)
Olivia Kisielewski of Niles (Niles West High School)
Kevin Kowalski of Park Ridge (Maine South High School)
Simone Montgomery of Winnetka (New Trier Township High School)
James Payne of Des Plaines (Maine West High School)
Stephanie Warda of Skokie (Niles North High School)

2015-2017 Oakton Wentcher Scholars
Kristen Aglikin of Park Ridge (Maine South High School)
Allison Bayro of Des Plaines (Maine West High School)
Lachlan Chen of Skokie (Niles North High School)
Jessica Chepurda of Glenview (Glenbrook South High School)
Francesca Fragale of Des Plaines (Maine West High School)
Dennise Kelly of Des Plaines (Maine West High School)
Joseph Pineda of Glenwood (Glenbrook South High School)
Fiona Prieto of Niles (Niles West High School)
Sarah Scheau of Des Plaines (Maine West High School)
Donald Shipman of Morton Grove (Niles North High School)

Beneficiaries were beaming with pride at the reception. “I was so thrilled when I found out I received the scholarship,” said first-year recipient Kristen Aglikin of Park Ridge. “My brother James also was a Wentcher Scholar and he told me how much it helped him. He went on to receive the transfer scholarship and I want to follow in his footsteps.”

“Receiving this scholarship relieves a lot of stress,” said second-year recipient Brandon Kabat, a Des Plaines resident majoring in business. “I just have to worry about attending class and keeping up with my grades instead of worrying how I’m going to pay for college. I’m extremely grateful for the Wentcher Foundation for believing in me – that means the world to me.”

Oakton TRIO Advisor Joe Palencia, a former Wentcher Scholar, served as keynote speaker. “If you have a dream keep working at it,” he told students at the reception. “Hard work does pay off and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I would not be where I am today without the moral and financial support of the Wentcher Foundation.”

For more information, contact Oakton Manager of Development and Alumni Relations Elena Couto, at 847.635.1813 or ecouto@oakton.edu, or Wentcher Foundation Program Director Crystal Johnson at crystal@wentcherfoundation.org.