Irma Marquez Named a Phillips Scholar Posted on April 6th, 2010 by Matt Thomas '00

Irma Marquez '12

Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Irma Marquez has been named a Jay and Rose Phillips Family Scholar for 2010-2012. Marquez was one of six students named a Phillips Scholar out of 16 finalists.

The Phillips Scholars Program recognizes and rewards Minnesota private college students who strive to make life better for people with unmet needs in Minnesota communities. The program supports potential leaders with outstanding academic credentials who intend to dedicate a portion of their lives to community service. Students from 16 eligible private colleges and universities are invited to apply for one of six $16,150 awards given annually.

Marquez, a native of St. James, Minn., hopes to use her award to create and organize a summer program for middle school age students that will encourage them to think about their culture in a positive way, and more importantly the cultures around them so they can better appreciate and respect those who are similar or different from them.

“My goal is for them to see their culture as an asset, not a disadvantage,” Marquez said.

At Gustavus, Marquez is involved in Gustie Greeters, the Zeta Chi Phi multicultural sorority, the Pan-Afrikan Student Organization, and the social justice theater troop I Am We Are. Marquez also spends time as a volunteer translator at the St. Peter Pre-School.

Marquez is the ninth Gustavus student in the last 10 years to be named a Phillips Scholar. Previous recipients include Melanie (Larson) Sinouthasy (1998), Sara Imholte (2001), Noah Johnson (2002), Linda Lee (2003), Zong Xiong (2004), Ma Lee Vang (2005), Nhung Le (2006), Ashley Gibbs (2007), and Laura Jensen (2009).

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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510