Manresa Scholars Program Application 2012-2013 Information for Recommenders About the Manresa Scholars Program: Manresa was the site of a transformational experience in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). There, he spent much time in prayer and discernment about his calling or “vocation” to serve God. Ignatius also composed written notes about his experiences which would later be developed into his classic work, the Spiritual Exercises. Drawing upon the wisdom of St. Ignatius, the Manresa Scholars Program invites junior and senior students to explore and discern their vocation through weekly service at a field experience in the Milwaukee community and regular reflection on that experience through the lens of Ignatian spirituality and discernment. Field placement sites are primarily places of economic need and typically include neighboring congregations, a renewal center serving the urban poor, an Archdiocesan parish or agency, or another ministry site suited to the Scholar’s gifts. An $8000 tuition scholarship will be awarded to each Scholar accepted to the program for the 2012-2013 academic year. Please note that receipt of this partial-tuition scholarship may affect other parts of the Scholar’s financial aid package. Criteria for Applicants: Be a current full-time sophomore or junior in status at Marquette University. Have a 3.0 minimum overall GPA. Have demonstrated leadership in ministry-related and service activities on the high school, college, and parish or congregation level. Have a desire to explore and discern their vocation through experiences of Christian ministry and service. Able to step back from other commitments in order to commit to regular service, reflection, and prayer. Manresa Scholar Requirements: During the 2012-2013 academic year, Manresa Scholars will be required to: Complete 8-10 hours of service per week at an approved site. Participate in the following: o Weekly discussion and reflection with fellow Scholars. o Monthly individual spiritual direction. o An annual retreat. o Regular meetings with the Scholar’s site supervisor. o Regular meetings with the coordinator of the Manresa Scholars Program. Recommender Requirements: Your specific comments are essential to providing added insight into the applicant’s academic performance, leadership potential, and readiness for ministry and service. Your recommendation will be reviewed along with the applicant’s application, self-reported resume, and essay. As a recommender, we ask that you complete the following form. Please answer all the questions to the best of your ability. Please send your completed recommendation no later than Monday, February 20, 2012 to: Annie Devine, Assistant Director Office of Campus Ministry, AMU 236 Marquette University P.O. Box 1881 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881 For more information, please contact Annie Devine at 414.288.3689 or annie.devine@marquette.edu Manresa Scholars Program Application 2011-2012 Recommendation Form PLEASE TYPE THE INFORMATION BELOW. Applicant’s Name: Name of Recommender: Your Title/Occupation: Daytime Phone: Email Address: Mailing Address: PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: How do you know the applicant? For how long? Please describe the applicant on a personal level, especially his or her ability to work with others: What is that applicant’s ability to engage in discussion and reflection? What is your assessment of the applicant’s gifts and skills for leadership and service? PLEASE “X” THE BOX WHICH BEST REFLECTS THE APPLICANT’S READINESS FOR SERVICE AND REFLECTION: Sense of confidence Maturity Approachability Sense of humor Ability to take initiative Ability to see a project to completion Ability to work with others Written communication skills Oral communication skills Organizational skills Ability for theological reflection Integration of faith in daily life Appreciation of other religious expressions Excellent Above Average Average In need of Improvement In need of major improvement Unable to assess ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Any other comments? OVERALL RECOMMENDATION OF THE APPLICANT (PLEASE CHECK ONE): ☐ Exceptional ☐ Recommend strongly ☐ Recommend (no strong feelings) ☐ Recommend with reservations ☐ Would not recommend Signature: _____________________________________________________ Date__________________________________________________ *If you are submitting this electronically, please check here ☐ as your signature