Support from Jacksonville University’s Dolphin Dash is already making a meaningful impact for three JU students. Lana Grelli ’26, Kellen Tooley ’26, and Emma Sigrist ’29 were the surprise recipients of $5,000 scholarships, made possible through the generous support of the Board of Trustees and the donations of thousands of alumni and friends of the University. The students' reactions were a powerful reminder that investing in students today helps shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Tooley, a computer science major on the men’s rowing team, was sitting in class when Interim Dean of the Davis College of Business and Technology and Executive Director of the Cost Honors College Dr. Lisa Sutherland walked through the door with a giant check boasting his name. Tooley is a Cost Honors College student, works as a resident assistant, serves as a Student Athlete Advisory Council representative, and has participated in the Deutsche Bank Mentoring program.
“Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me because it represents the support and belief that Jacksonville University has invested in my journey from the moment I arrived on campus,” Tooley said. “As a student balancing Division I rowing, the Cost Honors College, and being a proud member of the ResLife team, I’ve learned how much it matters to have a community that invests in your growth.”
Sigrist, an exercise science major on the women’s lacrosse team, was in the lacrosse film
room as the team prepared for practice when Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert presented
her with the scholarship. Sigrist hopes to forge a career that combines her passion
for athletics with her dedication to serving others by working with special needs
athletes through coaching and adaptive sports programs.
“College can be stressful financially, and this support will help my family and me
a lot,” said Sigrist. “More than anything, it feels like the kind of unexpected help
that reminds you to have a lot of gratitude, keep working hard, and not take opportunities
for granted.”
Grelli, a finance major and runner on the Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field
Team, was sitting in the stands celebrating her senior teammates at halftime of a
Dolphins basketball game when she was called onto the court to receive her scholarship
in front of an applauding crowd at Swisher Gymnasium. She shared how this scholarship
and the Zimmerman Scholars program are setting her up to achieve her goals.
“Ultimately, I want to help enhance the work-life experience of medical professionals, which in turn improves patient care. My mom is a nurse and inspired me toward this overall goal,” said Grelli. “This scholarship will help by giving me the financial flexibility to pursue opportunities that align with my values rather than simply choosing the highest-paying option.”
This year’s Dolphin Dash raised more than $4 million from more than 4,200 donors in just five days of fundraising efforts. These scholarships mark the University’s continued commitment to student success.
“Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and investing in their education is one of the most meaningful ways we can shape the future,” said Dr. Sutherland. “These scholarships demonstrate the impact of Dolphin Dash by placing them directly in the hands of our hardworking students, helping them pursue their goals. We are deeply grateful for the support of our Board of Trustees and the JU community, as we remain dedicated to the student experience and to their continued success.”
