Be the Reason: 2023 Impact Stories

Nick Weaver

Saint Louis University School of Law

SLU scholarships do more than provide financial assistance — they provide students with the financial freedom to make a difference in the community. Nick Weaver (Law ’24) knows this from experience. 

Weaver is a recent recipient of the Dagen Public Interest Fellowship, a stipend that covers the living expenses of students working in low-paying or non-paying public interest jobs over the summer. It was created so SLU LAW students can pursue their passions and provide justice and legal services to all. 

“For 10 weeks, I worked at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, helping federal prosecutors prepare cases relating to drug trafficking and child exploitation,” Weaver said. “This was an extremely rewarding experience, and it put all of my classes thus far into perspective. The Dagen stipend was really helpful because it provided funds to help pay for items like parking and gas every day.” 

Weaver also serves as the president of Street Law, an organization that runs volunteer programs at local schools and prisons. 

“The scholarships I have received from SLU have given me the financial freedom to worry less about how I am going to pay my bills and focus more on establishing a meaningful career and giving back to the St. Louis community,” he said. 

Born and raised in St. Louis, Weaver loves the community and wants to practice law where he grew up. He’s grateful to donors for supporting students who aim to make Missouri a better place and for giving students access to the kind of education that is unique to SLU LAW.

“Being a SLU-trained advocate means more than simply earning a license to practice law. The faculty here teach students to act ethically and use the law to benefit those on the margins of society,” Weaver explained. “As a school with a Jesuit mission, we recognize that the law can be used as a tool to further the message of Christ to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.”

Camille Fuller

School of Education

Between freshman and sophomore year, Camille Fuller (Ed ’25) found herself crying.

"They weren't tears of helplessness but of joy," Fuller said. "Joy knowing that I would be able to continue doing something that I absolutely love."

Fuller had just received the news that she'd been awarded the Lay Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship. In that moment, she went from worrying about affording tuition, books or even food, to celebrating that she could continue college without financial burden. 

"This scholarship means the world to me because I wasn't sure how I was going to afford college for three more years," said Fuller. Fuller is a first-generation college student covering the cost of higher education completely on her own. 

Like her fellow Billikens, the early childhood education major doesn't simply want to earn a diploma. Her degree will mean so much more — not just to her, but to the young students she wants to teach. 

"One of my main goals as a Black educator is to be the face of education for my students who don't often see themselves in the curriculum or education," Fuller said. She aims to be a kindergarten teacher and then become a principal and administrator. 

"I want little girls and boys like me to know that they, too, can do it," Fuller said. "They can be independent students and Black in college, and although it may be hard, if there is a will, there is a way." 

Caroline Wright

School of Medicine

Caroline Wright (Med ’25) had a full-circle moment last summer while working as a teaching assistant at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s Summer Scholars Program. The three-week program is designed to further expose interested youth to medicine and health care, and as a teaching assistant, Wright got to see their excitement as they learned about fun science topics. 

“I was once in their shoes, dreaming about going to medical school,” Wright said. “And here I am, living out my dream.” 

Wright is able to concentrate fully on that long-held aspiration because of the School of Medicine Diversity Award. She said the scholarship, which covers living expenses, is the reason she can dedicate her time completely to her studies instead of finding a job to pay her bills. 

“It has blessed me tremendously, and it grants me more time to focus my efforts on learning how to help patients and becoming the best physician I can be,” Wright said. 

While she’s undecided on a specialty, she knows one thing for sure: She wants to be a physician who embodies SLU’s emphasis on cura personalis — care for the mind, body and spirit — to help patients in vulnerable situations and ensure that no one is left behind. 

“A SLU education goes far beyond book knowledge. This university is a powerful force in the community that teaches students how to never lose sight of what is important: caring for others,” Wright said. “This education equips you with the life skills necessary to leave a positive impact wherever you go and be a glimmer of hope in a world that desperately needs it.”

Sam Huster

College of Arts and Sciences

As a freshman, Sam Huster’s (A&S ’26) SLU experience is just beginning. Even so, his first semester was full of milestones and self-discovery. 

“I loved the feeling of relief and satisfaction when I finished all of my first college assignments,” Huster said when recalling the fall term. Even more important was his realization that he wants to go into social psychology someday.

Huster isn’t the first in his family to be a Billiken — his sister earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at SLU, and she’s even a staff member now. Huster was able to carry on the family tradition thanks to one of SLU’s merit scholarships, which are awarded to incoming freshmen based on previous academic performance.

"This scholarship made it possible for me to go to SLU," Huster said. "If I didn’t have a scholarship, it would’ve been out of reach for me."

Attending SLU has already brought Huster countless opportunities for hands-on learning and classes led by world-class faculty. He’s particularly grateful for the lasting connections he’s made with his professors.

“Professor Clint Johnson is absolutely my favorite instructor. He makes his lectures engaging, and his classroom environment lets students feel comfortable asking questions,” Huster said. “I recently interviewed for a position at his research lab and am very excited to continue working with him.”

He adds, “Our professors aren’t just here to teach. They’re invested in your goals and educating you to make a difference in the world with your degree.”

You can be the reason Saint Louis University students like Nick, Camille, Caroline and Sam are able to access a transformative education. Make your gift today.