Four first-year students from Philadelphia are the first Maguire Scholars at Neumann University. Based on a contribution from the Maguire Foundation, each Maguire Scholar at the University receives $5,000 per year for four years provided that the student pay at least $5,000 per year for tuition or other education-related expenses.

Neumann’s first Maguire Scholars are Michael DiPierro, a business administration major; Taylor Farrar, a biology major; Briana Fox, a nursing major; and Alaina Zepp, an athletic training major.

The Foundation has agreed to assist as many as five qualified students per year who enroll at Neumann University from the fall of 2013 to the fall of 2016, a total of 20 students. The Foundation's full donation of scholarship aid to Neumann students could reach $400,000 through the spring of 2020.

“Because of this scholarship, I was able to go to college. My mom is a single parent who put me and my sister through Catholic schools, so this money is a big help to us,” Zepp said.

To be selected, students must come from a list of eligible high schools and have at least a 3.0 high school GPA. Students may borrow the $5,000 that they contribute toward tuition with the expectation that any amount borrowed will be repaid from subsequent employment.

To be eligible for continuation of the scholarship funding from year to year, the recipient must be in good academic standing, participate in school or community volunteer/extra-curricular activities, and receive a recommendation from the University.

The Maguire Foundation was established in 2000. Mr. and Mrs. James J. Maguire are co-principals of the Foundation, a philanthropic enterprise that focuses its resources primarily on education. James Maguire is the founder and chairman emeritus of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Company. A Korean War veteran and 1958 graduate of St. Joseph's University, he is the author of Just Show Up Every Day, which chronicles his successful professional and family life.

For additional information about the Maguire Scholars program, contact Neumann University Financial Assistance at 610-358-4214 or finaid@neumann.edu.