Saint Xavier University Honors 2019-2020 Cuneo Scholars

Saint Xavier University (SXU) congratulates Ashley Galassini ’20 and Ximena Garcia ’22 on being chosen as Cuneo Scholars for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Both are returning recipients and will receive a $25,000 scholarship through a charitable grant financed by the Cuneo Foundation.

“Ashley and Ximena continue to display outstanding academic achievement, active involvement in co-curricular activities, a passion for service and a desire to help create a more just and equitable society,” said SXU President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D. “The work carried out by these students exemplifies our Mercy mission and that of the Cuneo Foundation. Saint Xavier is incredibly thankful for the transformative support of Cuneo and the promising path this scholarship opens up for students like Ashley and Ximena.”

Ashley Galassini is a senior Nursing major who works part time as scribe for Pediatric Associates and for Rush Hospital Downtown’s Surgical Transplant Team. She is involved with the SXU Service Club and the Student Nurses’ Association, and continues to coach a special needs baseball team in Tinley Park – something she has done for nearly a decade. Galassini credits the Cuneo scholarship for her continued success, as the opportunity allows her to dedicate more time to her studies while working in an industry that supports them.

“The Cuneo scholarship has truly transformed my educational experience,” said Galassini. “Because of this incredible support mechanism, I am even more motivated to work as hard as possible for the benefit of my community. I look forward to putting the knowledge gained at SXU through this opportunity into practice upon graduation.”

Ximena Garcia is a second-year Nursing major and participant of the Service Club and the Cougar Service Club, through which she volunteers at Queen of Martyrs Elementary School and the Robbins Afterschool and Saturday Community program. Ximena is highly involved in the Saint Xavier Jazz Ensemble, and will perform at the JENerations Conference in New Orleans this winter.

“I am very grateful to be blessed with this amazing scholarship, which has given me a sense of financial relief,” said Garcia. “This has been a pivotal opportunity for me to obtain resources and skills to empower our communities in need. With the Cuneo scholarship, I am able to pursue my dreams of becoming a registered nurse while continuing my passion for volunteer work.”