Romeoville, Illinois, August 9, 2022–Thanks to a robust scholarship fund, for the first time in its history, Christian Brothers Services, awarded two Lewis University students with a Brother William L. Walz, FSC Endowed Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic school year.
In 2010, Christian Brothers Services established the scholarship in memory of Brother William Walz (1941-2010), honoring him for his years of service and dedication to CBS. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Lewis University senior in Computer Science or the College of Business who has a GPA of 2.75+, and has demonstrated leadership activities during their college career.
Typically, one scholarship is awarded per year. However, the strength of the endowment, now in its 11th year, has been increasing steadily, allowing for the opportunity to help two students, Jack Blitstein and Wefqui Odeh, both in their final years of school at Lewis University.
CBS holds long-standing ties with Lewis University where the company was located for many years, as well as the strong relationship Brother William maintained with the school. Brother William received his MBA from Lewis University and served as its bursar for four years before being named president/CEO of CBS.
The award is purposefully given during the latter part of a student’s career, which is seen as an extra incentive to assist a student finish their schooling without financial constraint and recognition of their ongoing dedication.
“Christian Brothers Services is steeped in the Lasallian mission, striving to continue the educational mission of St. John Baptiste de La Salle—investing in students through scholarship is one way we can both honor Brother William Walz and continue to fulfill the mission our company is built on,” said Brother Michael Quirk, FSC, Ed.D, president and CEO of Christian Brothers Services. “Congratulations to these students who show not only a passion to excel but who share a commitment to service.”
Blitstein and Odeh, both from the Orland/Tinley Park area, also share a similar drive for excellence, both holding a near 4.0 GPA, while maintaining leadership roles in extracurricular areas and a genuine desire to give back to the community after graduation.
The pair joins past Brother William L. Walz scholarship recipients Eric Grunst, Mauricio Lasso, Jan O’Hara, Olivia Major, Yesenia Gonzalez, Krystal Le, Marek Blizinski, Jason Giron, Ian Ziarko, Ryan O’Keefe, and Ross Goers.
Christian Brothers Services will award the next scholarships in the spring of 2023.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation payable to Lewis University, please include “Brother William Walz Endowed Scholarship” on the check’s memo line and mail donations to:
Lewis University
Senior Development Officer
One University Parkway
Romeoville, Il 60446
About Christian Brothers Services
Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois, Christian Brothers Services is a nonprofit, Catholic organization that administers cooperative programs in the areas of health, retirement, property/casualty, and technology as well as financial, administrative and Catholic school consulting to church congregations, organizations and dioceses internationally.
About Catholic School Management
Founded in 1973, NCEA Financial Consulting Services focused exclusively on finance and development consulting services for Catholic school and diocesan administrators. In 1979 demand for a broader scope of services resulted in the creation of Catholic School Management (CSM). In 2014, Christian Brothers Services acquired CSM's growing operations, making CBS the national leader in consultative guidance for Catholic schools. CSM's team of experts represents more than 500 years of experience in the education field with a focus on strategy, planning and leadership.
About BMT
Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, Brenner, McDonagh & Tortolani, Inc., BMT Management and Financial Consultants was acquired by Christian Brothers Services in 2017. Providing premier consulting services to 280 religious institutes and many sponsored ministries in need of assistance, BMT offers the management of daily operations, including accounting and financial management, benefits eligibility management, human resources, investment consulting and real estate planning and sustainability studies.