Caitlin with an opportunity that she could not pass up. Ironically, Caitlin was originally waitlisted for St. John’s University and ended up committing to another university in New York. Shortly thereafter, a spot in the Ozanam Scholars Program became available, and Caitlin When she graduates, Caitlin hopes to work knew she had to take full advantage of this special learning experience. at a New York, inner-city public school to help restore students’ dignity to those The program provided she never imagined who may feel lost and forgotten by an were possible. She studied abroad in Rome, overwhelming school district. She states confidently, “I feel I have a responsibility to Italy, her sophomore year. A memory that stays with her during this particular take what I have learned and what I have semester abroad was when she volunteered experienced through service and put that at a refugee home for single mothers knowledge into action.” and children fleeing from war zones. She OZANAM SCHOLAR PROGRAM worked with young children teaching them English. She laughs saying, “Here I The word “opportunity” is one that am with these children who mostly speak frequently pops up when referencing Arabic, trying to teach them English, while these Vincentian-sponsored, Catholic we are both learning Italian. I was with educational institutions. Fr. Carroll recognizes that, “Vincentians often provide this one little four-year-old girl, who had been badly burned on her feet and as a options to those who may not have as result was wearing two hospital boots on many resources available to them.” each leg. She was running around without The Ozanam Scholar Program afforded The purple streaks that flow subtly through Caitlin Capri Neier’s (’20) hair are revealed as she animatedly moves her head and hands describing what it was like building classroom walls for four different Indigenous communities in Ecuador. Calling it a “beautiful and enriching experience,” this is just one of the many Ozanam Scholars Program service stories she holds close to her heart. 48 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE
a care in the world trying to ride a bike. I remember thinking, ‘This little girl has been through so much pain, but she is still so happy.’ Seeing her come from such a hard place but still smiling and laughing, brought me so much happiness.” The Vincentian Priests and Brothers continue to grow and develop their institutions but, more importantly, remain steadfast in providing all who are interested, the chance to receive a faith-based, service-driven, and first-class educational experience.
Photos courtesy of St. John’s University
being Catholic is not a requirement for being Vincentian. It is the Vincentians’ commitment to Catholic academic excellence and the passion to educate the whole person that defines Vincentian higher education institutions.
