Their Story Starts Here: Support an MSJ Student Education

Abby Crim's Story:
The Transformative Power of Scholarships at The Mount

Abby Crim, a proud native of Trenton, Ohio, and Madison High School graduate has felt the life-changing impact of scholarships on her college journey at Mount St. Joseph University. With a background rich in leadership as a student council president and an active participant in theatre, soccer, and basketball, Abby was drawn to MSJ for its teacher-to-student ratio and welcoming, close-knit community.

Her connection to the Mount began through her older brother, Evan Crim, Class of 2023, who played football at the University. Accompanying her family on visits to see Evan, Abby discovered more than just a campus—she found an academic home. The supportive community and the opportunity to engage in various campus activities solidified her decision to choose the Mount.

A key factor in Abby’s ability to attend MSJ was the financial support she received: "Scholarships have significantly impacted my ability to come to the Mount." As a recipient of the MSJ Renaissance Award, she earns a $500 per semester scholarship for her participation in the arts, including her involvement in Writers Block. Additionally, Abby has been recognized for her leadership, earning the role of Resident Assistant on campus.

With a major in Liberal Arts and a concentration in English, Abby is pursuing her passion for literature and wants to be a high school English teacher.

Scholarships have been essential to her thriving college experience, empowering her to take full advantage of all that MSJ offers inside and outside the classroom. Beyond academics, Abby has immersed herself in the campus community. She serves as the Student Organization Relationship Coordinator for the Student Government Association, and her contributions as an Event Coordinator for the Black Student Union showcase her dedication to fostering inclusion and connection. Abby is also involved in Lions-On-Line, the Mount’s dateline publication, the Student Life Co-op, and the Athletics Department.

Reflecting on her experience, Abby proudly says, “I love the Mount. I bleed gold and blue.” 

Megan McNulty's Story: 
How Scholarships Are Shaping Her Future at The Mount

"Scholarships are the key to student success. By receiving the Renaissance Award, the Connections Scholarship, and the Transfer Scholarship, I can continue my education without worrying about financial burden," says Megan McNulty, a senior at Mount St. Joseph University. For Megan, these scholarships have not just been financial assistance—they’ve been a gateway to opportunities and personal growth.

A 2020 Oak Hills High School graduate in Cincinnati, Ohio, Megan earned her Associate of Arts degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College before transferring to the Mount in January 2023. As she pursues her bachelor's degree in Communication and New Media Studies, scholarships have allowed her to focus on what truly matters: her education and passions.

Beyond academics, Megan enjoys writing, singing, playing piano, fashion, and thrifting. As a member of the University Chamber Choir, she also benefits from an additional scholarship, further enabling her to engage in campus life without the stress of financial constraints. Megan recently joined the Rainbow Alliance, a student organization that offers a safe space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. She values the inclusivity of groups like these; “It’s important to have spaces where people feel comfortable and can connect with others who share similar experiences.”

Megan’s gratitude for the support she’s received at the Mount is evident, especially when speaking about her professors, “The best part of campus is the supportive professors and faculty. You can establish meaningful connections with them and network in ways that you wouldn’t find at larger universities.” One of her most influential mentors, Professor Lisa Crews, has guided Megan through co-op positions on campus and helped her prepare for the Ohio Communication Association Conference.

With the support of scholarships and the Mount community, Megan has already set her sights on the future. Post-graduation, she plans to pursue a Master's Degree in Public Administration and become an advocate for equality and justice.

"Scholarships have allowed me to focus on my classroom and clinical studies in greater depth without the added stress of finances," says Hunter Mills, a graduate of Mount St. Joseph University's undergraduate Biomedical Sciences program and a current student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Hunter’s passion for physical therapy was sparked after a high school shoulder injury required him to undergo therapy. "The therapist I worked with went to Mount St. Joseph University and was an amazing person and clinician. After working with him, I became interested in physical therapy," he recalls. When a subsequent elbow injury also led him to an MSJ-trained therapist, Hunter felt it was a sign to pursue his education at the Mount.

Five years into his journey at MSJ, Hunter is thriving in the DPT program, due to the scholarships he’s received: "Without the financial stress, I’ve been able to focus on becoming the best clinician I can be," he shares. These scholarships have given him the freedom to immerse himself in both academic and clinical experiences that are shaping his future career.

Hunter’s connection to the Mount goes beyond academics. He chose the University for its close-knit community and the support of its faculty, alums, and peers. “The relationships I’ve built here have played a huge role in my personal and professional development,” he says. While pursuing his DPT, Hunter has achieved significant milestones. He was inducted into the ACAPT National Student Honor Society, served as a Graduate Assistant for the DPT program, a Teaching Assistant for Human Gross Anatomy, and an Officer of the Student Physical Therapy Association. He’s also been a Peer Tutor and a volunteer at MSJ’s Pro Bono Clinic, where he applies his classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Thanks to the scholarships and the unwavering support from the Mount, Hunter is well on his way to fulfilling his goal of becoming an exceptional physical therapist. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of scholarships and the impact they can have on a student's life.

"The Mount is a small community where everyone feels supported every step of the way. You are not just a student at the Mount. You are a person they want to succeed and scholarships help them do so." says Brittney Bill, a junior at Mount St. Joseph University.

From a young age, Brittney dreamed of becoming a doctor or a teacher. Though initially focused on medicine, she discovered during her final high school years that her true passion lay in education. Today, she is pursuing her dream of becoming an educator, largely thanks to the scholarships that have made her education at the Mount possible.

A native of Fairfield, Ohio, Brittney excelled academically and personally at Bishop Fenwick High School, participating in tennis, Student Council, volunteer work, and church activities. Inspired by family connections and drawn to the University’s close-knit community, Brittney knew early on that Mount St. Joseph University was the perfect fit. The supportive community at MSJ has been a constant source of reassurance and confidence for her. "I just knew it was my school, and I was always very sure of the decision," she recalls.

Now a junior in the School of Education, Brittney works toward dual licensure in general education for grades K-5 and special education (PK-12). The Mount’s proximity to home has allowed her to complete student teaching placements at Cincinnati Public Schools, further enriching her experience.

Brittney's academic success in high school earned her a substantial scholarship to MSJ. Reflecting on this support, she shared, "It's such a relief not to be stressed about student loans. My fiancé and I are looking at houses we can afford, and if I had student loan debt, that wouldn't be possible. The Mount is exceptionally generous with scholarships and goes above and beyond to ensure every student receives the support they need. That’s something I truly appreciate."

Beyond academics, Brittney is passionate about gardening, reading, dance cardio, Pilates, and yoga. She has even climbed three mountains! She also finds joy in the beauty of the campus and the welcoming environment of the School of Education.

Thanks to her generous scholarships, Brittney can focus on becoming a skilled teacher and intervention specialist without the burden of financial stress. Her journey at the Mount has been one of growth and discovery, and she's excited about what the future holds.