2018 CCAA Scholar Recipients
The CCAA honored eight outstanding Columbia College students with a scholarship of $1,000 each for the 2018-2019 academic year. Students were awarded scholarships based on their academic merit and notable affinity for Columbia College. The CCAA Scholars Program is made possible through the generous support of our alumni. Meet these inspiring CC students.
Steven Carlin
Fleming Island, Florida
Columbia College Online Education
Major: Criminal Justice Administration
“When I joined the military it was because I did not want to go to school and didn’t what I wanted to grow up and become. I chose Columbia College for the ease of balancing both service and learning. … I can not truly explain how much this means to me as a parent of three and on active sea-duty to be able to keep moving toward my bachelor’s degree.”
Chera Craig
Camdenton, Missouri
Columbia College-Lake Ozark
Major: Human Services
“Once in classes I was surprised how caring the instructors were. They pushed me out of my comfort zone but gave me the tools needed to rise above any task I had been given. I started out thinking I would at least go for my associates; I have now met that goal, and I am going for my bachelors and contemplating graduate school. Thank you, Columbia College, for helping me believe in myself and pushing me to greatness.”
Stefanie Iola
Jefferson City, Missouri
Columbia College-Jefferson City and Online Education
Major: Human Services
“I went back to school after becoming disabled in 2011, and had it not been for the amazing people at Columbia, I would not be in a degree program that ignites the fire within me to help others through human services. I will be using my being differently-abled to help others reach their goals too!”
Emily Karrick
Bountiful, Utah
Columbia College Online Education
Major: Human Services
“[Columbia College] met all of the criteria I was looking for, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity it has given me to be a better person and mother.”
Tess Losacker
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia College Day Campus
Major: Criminal Justice
“Columbia College became a home for me – far away from home. Being from Berlin, Germany, I have participated in track and field all my life, but I could have never imagined that it would lead me to a small town in Missouri. Even farther from my wildest dreams, I never thought I would make lifelong friendships, find a wonderful new team, and have made — am making and will make — many unforgettable experiences that will shape my entire life.”
Landon Parker
Kansas City, Missouri
Columbia College Day Campus
Major: Business, Marketing and Sports Management
“My passion and work ethic have benefited from my time in Columbia. I am driven to put myself through school without my parents’ [financial] help and give back to my alma mater.”
Krista Smith
Prairie Grove, Illinois
Columbia College-Crystal Lake
Major: Business Administration and Human Resource Management
“Once I graduate, I will be the first family member to graduate college. … I have had the best teachers, who connect with their students and treat them with respect. I have learned more than formulas and how to pass tests. I have gained friendships and learned how to correlate what I learn in school to real life.”
Benjamin Welch
Simi Valley, California
Columbia College Online Education
Major: Business Administration
“The affordable classes and overall convenience of Columbia College's online classes have made obtaining my bachelor's degree seamlessly achievable. I was able to attend school while serving my country in the Navy and now as a Veteran.”