Be the Reason: Meet Gael Cosgaya
Saint Louis University Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business Student
Gael Cosgaya’s parents taught him early in life to trust God, work hard and give whatever he could to others. Even when they had nothing, the Saint Louis University junior said, his family was able to contribute something. That lesson in giving and not counting the cost deeply influenced Gael’s faith and educational pursuits, including his decision to attend SLU.
A first-generation American, Cosgaya lived below the poverty line for many of his early years despite both parents working. Growing up in a St. Louis neighborhood riddled with crime, all they knew how to do was survive, he said.
Working for a Jesuit Education
Cosgaya’s parents wanted more for their four children and searched for a Catholic middle school that would provide strong academics and solid faith formation. Thanks to scholarships, Loyola Academy — a Nativity Miguel Model school in St. Louis — became a reality for Cosgaya and his siblings. From the moment he started his Jesuit education in sixth grade, he knew he wanted it to continue, he said.
Attending De Smet Jesuit High School allowed Cosgaya to continue growing in Ignatian spirituality. As a first-generation college student, he wanted to stay in St. Louis, preferably at Saint Louis University, for his college education, but the cost was a concern. He told his mother that he would put his college pursuit on hold or go to a community college if SLU’s tuition each year cost $3,000 or more after financial aid. However, his mom insisted he could become a Billiken.
“She told me, ‘I’ll just pray to God: Let’s work something out. Let’s reach out for help,’” Cosgaya recalled.
SLU’s donors were the answer to those prayers.
A Dream Come True
“SLU has been a dream come true, and attending the University has transformed me into a better person,” Cosgaya said. “Getting scholarships has not only changed me, it’s changed my parents and my siblings. My parents can now focus more on my younger siblings to give them a better life, a better future.”
Cosgaya, who is pursuing a degree in leadership and human resources management, already possesses a blend of academic and real-world business experience, having assisted his mother with her work since he was a teenager. To create a steady income stream for his parents, Cosgaya and his older brother expanded the family business a few years ago. With Cosgaya’s leadership, the limited-liability company has expanded beyond residential services to commercial cleaning. Named for his mother, the company reflects her strong work ethic.
While at SLU, Cosgaya said he has also gained invaluable insights through internships at Stifel Financial Corp., where he has been placed in positions that have helped his business understanding grow. And he is most grateful.
Scholarships have allowed “me to grow my relationship with God even more and continue my Jesuit education,” Cosgaya said. “Hopefully, one day, I’ll be able to give back to SLU and Loyola Academy at the same time. God is the one guiding the ship. I think just following him is the best choice that there is.”
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