WHEELING, WV, Nov. 6, 2009 — Every year since 1987, the Cogan Scholarship has offered students financial assistance as they work their way toward a degree at Wheeling Jesuit University. Made possible through the generosity of Wheeling attorney Tim Cogan and his family, the Cogan Scholarship goes to outstanding student-athletes who demonstrate financial need.
2009 recipients are
(shown left-to-right, with Cogan in center): Laura O'Reilly, San Francisco, Ca.; Michelle Bonfich, Chesterland, Ohio; Nathan Ogonek, Grafton, Ohio and Brenden Bazilio, Bowie, Md.
"The university owes Tim Cogan and his family special thanks for this scholarship. Their gift shows just how much the family believes in our students and our university and we are grateful," said Lori Dougherty, director of Wheeling Jesuit’s Office of Advancement.
Cogan is a Wheeling Jesuit alumnus, class of 1969 and a partner in the firm of Cassidy, Myers, Cogan & Voegelin. He and his wife, Janet Boyle, established the scholarship to honor the memory of his parents, Maurice and Virginia Frantz Cogan of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
“Wheeling Jesuit had a big impact on my life, and I’m happy we can help give others this opportunity,” said Cogan, who is himself a product of eight years of Jesuit education, both high school and college.
The scholarship also honors the Cogan family’s lifelong involvement in athletics. Maurice Cogan was a former member of the U.S. Olympic Team and a member of the Dartmouth University football team.
Attracting students, particularly athletes, who otherwise would be unable to attend Wheeling Jesuit University, the scholarship can also be used to retain a student who would otherwise find it 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 Danny Sancomb.
Cogan’s siblings James Cogan, a Cleveland-area insurance executive, Pete Cogan, director of the Children’s Aid Society in Ambler, Pennsylvania and Marcia Cogan, a writer, are also involved with the award, along with other family and friends.
“We are very grateful for the Cogan family support and we know just how much it means to our students and our athletic program,” said Sancomb, who is also the head men’s basketball coach for the Cardinals.
Bazilio is the son of Ralph and Dorothea Bazilio and is a first year student with an undecided major. He plays guard for the Cardinal basketball team.
Ogonek, a junior varsity basketball team member, is the son of Joe and Mary Grace Ogonek. He is majoring in athletic training and plans to enter the doctorate in physical therapy program at Wheeling Jesuit after completing his undergraduate degree.
Bonfich is the daughter of Thomas and Joan Bonfich and plays outside hitter for the volleyball team. She is a nursing major.
O’Reilly is the daughter of Dina O’Reilly of San Francisco and is a junior criminal justice major. She plays at the libero position for the Cardinal volleyball team.
Wheeling Jesuit has 18 men's and women's athletic teams, most of which compete in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and NCAA Division II.
The athletic teams have won more than 55 WVIAC titles, fielding 40 plus Academic All-Americans, and receiving more than 30 WVIAC Coach of the Year awards. More than 25 percent of the university's full-time day undergraduate students participate on an athletic team and rack up a 3.1 GPA.
For complete information, please call 1-800-624-6992.
