McFarlin Scholars
The McFarlin Scholars program was established in recognition of LaVonne "Bonnie" and Dale McFarlin, who left an estate gift of $1.38 million to St. Ambrose University for scholarship support.
Each year, St. Ambrose University will award four, $4,000 tuition scholarships annually to eligible students who show leadership experience (and a desire to lead in the future) and demonstrate financial need.
These invitation-only scholarships include a mentoring relationship between each recipient and an academic dean. Additionally, McFarlin Scholars will participate in community service and leadership opportunities.
Undergraduate students admitted to St. Ambrose University may apply to be a 2024 McFarlin Scholar if they meet the following qualifications:
- Fully admitted first-year or transfer student who plans to enroll in fall 2024
- Iowa resident, preference given to applicants from Davenport high schools or rural Iowa schools
- Unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- FAFSA must be filed by March 1, 2024
The McFarlin Scholar 2024 application period has closed. Thank you for your interest. To learn about additional scholarship opportunities, please contact the Admissions Office at 563-333-6300 or admit@sau.edu.
About Bonnie McFarlin
Lavonne Grace McFarlin, known to her friends as Bonnie, was a friendly and outgoing woman who loved life and learning. Bonnie loved to make new friends wherever she went.
Bonnie and her husband Dale moved to Davenport and purchased a six-plex near Vander Veer Park, a few blocks from St. Ambrose. They walked around the park and St. Ambrose campus regularly, and were taken by the friendliness of students and staff. Bonnie and her husband were not blessed with children of their own so they enjoyed getting to know the students and hearing about their education. Thus began a 40-year relationship with the university.
As they began to accumulate wealth and Dale's health issues arose, Bonnie and Dale discussed what to do with their estate. Both Bonnie and Dale felt that the ability to achieve a college education was an important part of everyone's future. They felt that St. Ambrose embodied the educational spirit, mission, and drive that best matched their ideals.
Thinking of their legacy and impact, an endowed scholarship was a logical step, and the Dale and Lavonne 'Bonnie' McFarlin Endowed Scholarship Fund was created.
Contact
Admissions Office
Admissions and Welcome Center
310 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6300
admit@sau.edu