Providing scholarship assistance to students with extraordinary talent who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Saint John’s University is a passion for Lois and John Rogers.  “We feel that it is critical to attract students who will increase geographic, socio-economic and ethnic diversity at Saint John’s for the benefit of the entire student body,” says Lois, who began service on the University’s Board of Regents in 1996.  “We have had a long-time interest in cultural issues as well as support for international students and students of color.  The most important thing for us is to support students with financial need because accessibility and diversity are at the heart of Saint John’s strategic plan.”

Lois Gross Rogers, a 1963 graduate of the College of St. Catherine in English and Education, actually belongs to a family with deep Saint John’s roots.  Lois’ father, Ralph Gross, attended Saint John’s and brothers Michael ’62, Ralph ’65 and Thomas ’68 are all graduates of SJU as is her uncle, Lawrence “Zook” Item ’35, and cousin Sydney Gross ’48.  John is a 1963 graduate of Saint John’s and he, too, boasts an impressive family legacy of Johnnie alumni including his brothers, Jim ’62, Tom ’69 and his son, Joe ’89.  In 1994, John received the University’s prestigious Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award, honoring his many years of service to Saint John’s.

“Over the years, John and Lois have supported a number of projects at Saint John’s including The Saint John’s Bible, the Science Facilities Campaign, the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library and the Annual Fund, among others.  We are extremely grateful that, with this most recent gift, they have decided to endow a significant scholarship for the benefit of needy students,” comments Br. Dietrich Reinhart, president of Saint John’s University.