Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program

The Dream of an Education Within Reach

The Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program aims to eliminate barriers to higher education for all students including those from minority and underserved communities. By providing academic and financial support, Marian University will empower students to excel academically, grow personally and professionally, and become leaders in their chosen fields. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we will create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape for all.

Vision

The Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program envisions a world in which all students, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background, have equal opportunities to pursue higher education and achieve academic success in the pursuit of social mobility. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers students to excel academically and build a strong foundation for their future careers.

Mission

The mission of the Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program is to inclusively provide academic and financial support to students from all communities, enabling them to pursue higher education and realize their full potential. We aim to uplift students by offering comprehensive resources, mentorship programs, and scholarships, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed in their educational and professional journeys.

Interested in supporting the Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program?

Thank you for your generosity! Your support will help fund the education for future Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars. If you are interested in the program and wish to donate, please use the form below. If you would prefer to send a donation via a check or money order, please send to the following address:

45 S. National Ave.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
ATTN: Michelle Ryan

Recommend a Future Dr. George E. Koonce Scholar!

To high school teachers and administrators:

Do you know a student, who has that special fire, that passion and drive, who wants to succeed and is willing to work hard to achieve the dream of a college degree?  We are looking for your recommendations for future Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars.  The program aims to eliminate barriers to higher education for all students including those from minority and underserved communities

Please fill out the form below with the student you think is most deserving to be a Dr. George E. Koonce Scholar.

Apply to be a Dr. George E. Koonce Scholar!

Are you interested in becoming a Dr. George E. Koonce Scholar? Please fill out the form below to get started!

To be considered for approval for the scholarship program you will need a recommendation from a teacher, coach, principal, mentor or well established member of your community.

Have Dr. George E. Koonce come to your school!

Dr. George E. Koonce creates a lot of excitement when he visits a school and his message of achieving your dreams is motivating!   If you would like to have Dr. George E. Koonce visit your school to talk about the Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars program, please fill out the form below and let us know a little bit about your school, your staff and your students!

Visit Marian University

From the very first moment you step on campus, you’ll be greeted by a community waiting to welcome you as one of their own. Marian University’s supportive staff, relatable faculty, and amazing students – they’re all ready to show you how becoming a Sabre could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Marian University’s campus is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. We also offer undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs online, bringing Marian University’s expertise to learners across the U.S. and the world.  You are welcome to contact us via phone, email, or postal mail.

About Dr. George E. Koonce

Dr. Koonce, Senior Vice President for University Relations at Marian University, develops public and private partnerships for the university.  He sits on a number of boards, including the Packers’ Board of Directors and he was recently elected to the Horicon Bank Board of Directors.  Dr. Koonce has a Doctorate in Sport Administration from Marquette University and a Master’s in Sports Management from East Carolina University, where he also majored in Construction Management as an undergrad.

Dr. Koonce was a linebacker with the Green Bay Packers from 1992-1999 and was on the winning Super Bowl XXXI team.  He spent a year with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring after the 2000 season.

“Many kids dream about playing in the NFL, but few will make it,” said Dr. Koonce. “I want them to see there is a world of opportunity, when they earn a college degree.”

Mark Murphy, President/CEO of the Green Bay Packers, sees Dr. Koonce as an inspiration for the future scholars.  “From his humble beginnings breaking into the NFL to his success at multiple institutions of higher learning, George’s journey has embodied passion and dedication, traits every student should have,” said Murphy. “We are proud to see Marian University offer the Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program as an inspiration for students to pursue excellence in academics and their own careers.”

“I was blessed to have a successful career in the NFL,” said Dr. Koonce. “But I am also proud of my academic achievements, which expanded my world view.  This Scholars program will lift up these students and help them grow personally and professionally.”

Funding for the Scholars program will be primarily from grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations and partnerships with educational institutions and businesses.  Prospective scholars will not just come from Milwaukee, but areas of need throughout Wisconsin in communities like Green Bay and Kenosha.  The scholars will be identified through outreach programs in schools and community centers, but most importantly, they will be recommended by high school administrators and teachers.

Thank you to our generous donors!

Questions?

For any questions, please email kooncescholars@marianuniversity.edu