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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, (December 13, 2001)- Aquinas President Harry J. Knopke, Ph.D
awarded sophomore Holli Charbonneau the Dr. Luis A. Tomatis Scholarship at the scholarship
establishment ceremony on December 6, 2001. The scholarship was established with the
purpose of providing financial assistance to an Aquinas student who has declared science
as a major and plans to enter the health profession. To be eligible for the scholarship,
students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, complete an application, and go through
a selection process.
"It is truly an honor to receive the Dr. Luis A. Tomatis Scholarship. Winning this award is an excellent example of what keeps me motivated," stated Charbonneau to the gathering of family and friends.
Charbonneau is currently working to achieve her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology. She is also an associate member in Beta-Beta-Beta, the National Biology Honor Society; Pre-Med club; and the Insignis Program, which requires participants to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
When asked why she selected Aquinas College, Holli stated "I choose it for the close relationship between the students and professors, the excellent science program, as well as the guidance to my Catholic faith. With all of the opportunities and events that Aquinas has to offer, I am able to stay on the path that God has intended for me."
Holli is currently working as an intern for Dr. Steven Cohle, Kent County Medical Examiner at the Spectrum Health-Blodgett campus where she has been given the opportunity to watch several autopsies. She is also conducting research for Dr. Cohle on child abuse, reviewing cases dating back ten-years, and will continue with this research next semester.
Commenting on Charbonneau's work in his office, Dr. Cohle stated, "Usually, internships are reserved for upperclassmen. However, Holli's persistence and interest in the field of forensic pathology convinced me to bring her aboard."
After graduating from Aquinas, Charboneau intends to acquire her medical degree and doctorate, and to work as a Forensic Pathologist. Her lifelong goal is to win a Nobel Prize.
"If I were in Dr. Tomatis's shoes, I would be very proud of my achievements. And that is why I am so grateful for this scholarship - because it gives me that opportunity," stated Charbonneau.
Dr. Luis Tomatis, M.D. F.A.C.S., F.A.C.C. is the Director of Medical Affairs for the Richard M. DeVos Family and the chief advisor on medical initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. He was the founding President and Chief Operating Officer of the Van Andel Institute from 1995-2001. For 30 years, Dr. Tomatis was a heart and lung surgeon at Butterworth Hospital and became Chief of the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Department and a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Michigan State University. Dr. Tomatis was awarded the Aquinas College Reflection Award last September in tribute to his community leadership and commitment to the pursuit of excellence.
"It is truly an honor to receive the Dr. Luis A. Tomatis Scholarship. Winning this award is an excellent example of what keeps me motivated," stated Charbonneau to the gathering of family and friends.
Charbonneau is currently working to achieve her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology. She is also an associate member in Beta-Beta-Beta, the National Biology Honor Society; Pre-Med club; and the Insignis Program, which requires participants to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
When asked why she selected Aquinas College, Holli stated "I choose it for the close relationship between the students and professors, the excellent science program, as well as the guidance to my Catholic faith. With all of the opportunities and events that Aquinas has to offer, I am able to stay on the path that God has intended for me."
Holli is currently working as an intern for Dr. Steven Cohle, Kent County Medical Examiner at the Spectrum Health-Blodgett campus where she has been given the opportunity to watch several autopsies. She is also conducting research for Dr. Cohle on child abuse, reviewing cases dating back ten-years, and will continue with this research next semester.
Commenting on Charbonneau's work in his office, Dr. Cohle stated, "Usually, internships are reserved for upperclassmen. However, Holli's persistence and interest in the field of forensic pathology convinced me to bring her aboard."
After graduating from Aquinas, Charboneau intends to acquire her medical degree and doctorate, and to work as a Forensic Pathologist. Her lifelong goal is to win a Nobel Prize.
"If I were in Dr. Tomatis's shoes, I would be very proud of my achievements. And that is why I am so grateful for this scholarship - because it gives me that opportunity," stated Charbonneau.
Dr. Luis Tomatis, M.D. F.A.C.S., F.A.C.C. is the Director of Medical Affairs for the Richard M. DeVos Family and the chief advisor on medical initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. He was the founding President and Chief Operating Officer of the Van Andel Institute from 1995-2001. For 30 years, Dr. Tomatis was a heart and lung surgeon at Butterworth Hospital and became Chief of the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Department and a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Michigan State University. Dr. Tomatis was awarded the Aquinas College Reflection Award last September in tribute to his community leadership and commitment to the pursuit of excellence.