Assisting students to obtain a quality education, the Cogan Scholarship continues to provide student-athletes with financial assistance during their years at Wheeling Jesuit University, thanks to the fund established by a Wheeling attorney and his family. This year’s recipients include two volleyball and one basketball players, all proud to be Cogan Scholarship winners.

Wheeling attorney and Wheeling Jesuit alumnus Timothy Cogan ‘69 and his wife, Janet Boyle, established the scholarship to honor the memory of his parents, Maurice and Virginia Frantz Cogan of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

“It’s a privilege to help students get a Wheeling Jesuit education,” Cogan said. “Wheeling Jesuit had a big impact on my life, and I’m happy we can help give others this opportunity.”

Over the past 19 years the University has produced some outstanding Cogan scholars. Their success as students and as athletes honors the memory of the Cogans and adds significantly to the academic stature of the Wheeling Jesuit University athletic programs.

Given annually to outstanding Wheeling Jesuit University students who demonstrate financial need, the Cogan Scholarship was created in 1987, and recalls especially the Cogans involvement in athletics throughout their life. Mr. Cogan was a former member of the U.S. Olympic Team and a member of the Dartmouth University football team.

"This scholarship provides student-athletes the opportunity to attend our university and work towards obtaining a degree," said Vice President of Advancement Brent Bush. "The University owes Tim Cogan and his family a special thanks for seeing the value of a Jesuit education. Their gift shows just how much the family believes in Wheeling Jesuit."

Intended to attract students, particularly athletes, who otherwise would be unable to attend Wheeling Jesuit University, the scholarship can be used to retain a student who would otherwise find it very difficult financially to continue at Wheeling Jesuit. Preference is given to student-athletes from Cleveland St. Ignatius Jesuit High School, but this is not a requirement. The final selection is made by Wheeling Jesuit’s athletic director.

Cogan’s siblings James Cogan, a Cleveland-area insurance executive, Pete Cogan, director of the Children’s Aide Society in Ambler, Pennsylvania and Marcia Cogan, a writer, are also involved, along with other family and friends.

Ashley Newcomer, Danijela Smiljanic and Derek Wise are the 2005 Cogan Memorial Scholarship recipients.

A member of the volleyball team, Newcomer is the daughter of Mrs. Therese Newcomer and is a freshman nursing major from Sidney, Ohio. Smiljanic is the daughter of Milutin and Ana Smiljanic and is a sophomore chemistry major from Parma, Ohio. She is also a member of the volleyball team.

Wise is the son of Daryl and Sheila Wise and is a business administration with management concentration major from Baltimore, Md. Wise is a member of the basketball team.

“It’s a true privilege to receive the Cogan Scholarship,” said Newcomer, explaining that she was pleasantly surprised to receive the honor.

Now in her ninth year of playing volleyball and her second year at Wheeling Jesuit, Newcomer loves the sport and is thrilled to have the opportunity to play for Wheeling Jesuit Lady Cardinals and for coaches Matt and Christy Benner. She is also proud to count Tim Cogan among her friends.

“Tim Cogan also supports us by coming to many of our volleyball games and he’s a great fan. I’ve developed a friendship with him, too,” she said.

Danijela Smiljanic agrees with her teammate that being a Cogan Scholarship winner is a great honor, adding that “the scholarship money means so much to me. I am very grateful.”