Donnelly College boosts first-generation college students to next generation success

by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A small Catholic college here is a rare beacon of hope for the students who come through its doors.

“Donnelly is a pretty unique entity across the country,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“I don’t know that there’s any other college precisely like Donnelly that is focused on serving first-generation college students and really changing that equation,” he added.

Since 1949, Donnelly College has provided students who might not otherwise be served with a pathway to a brighter future.

“According to Donnelly’s founders,” said president Msgr. Stuart Swetland, “their mission was to provide local high school graduates with a Catholic postsecondary education close to home and ‘without needless expense.’

“For 75 years, Donnelly has maintained this focus on providing an excellent education while keeping costs low.”

High quality, low cost

During the 2023-24 school year, Donnelly’s annual tuition and fees for a full-time student were $10,350, said Msgr. Swetland.

Comparatively, the cost was $30,265 for other Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) schools, he continued, and $37,696 for other local Catholic colleges and universities.

How does Donnelly keep its costs so low?

“Approximately two-thirds of our students (67%) receive Pell grants,” said Msgr. Swetland, “and 89% receive some sort of scholarship or financial aid support.

“Because the average Donnelly student comes from a household with an annual income under $40,000, this level of financial assistance is critical to making college accessible to the students we are here to serve.”

Donnelly draws a diverse group of students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.

The college depends on support from the Catholic and philanthropic communities, receiving between $350,000-$450,000 in grants from local foundations for its programs and scholarships each year.

“We also rely on fundraising events like our annual SHINE fundraising gala,” said Msgr. Swetland.

Last year, the gala raised a record $1.1 million. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 9 at Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.

Ana Maradiaga, vice president of academic affairs/dean of the college, said Donnelly is driven by its Catholic identity.

The college partners with the community for service projects, and its core courses include The Search for God, The Word of God, Introduction to Philosophy and The Ethics of Everyday Life, she said.

“As part of a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum, these courses are designed to help both Catholic and non-Catholic students discover the truth of what it means to be human,” said Maradiaga, “and to embrace their identity as a beloved child of God.”

Maradiaga believes the college is successful because of its dedicated faculty and staff who go above and beyond to meet students where they are.

Students who score below the level for college readiness can receive personalized academic coaching and training in study skills, she said.

“For non-native English speakers,” she continued, “Donnelly provides a developmental reading and writing class and other ESL supports.

“Professional and peer tutors provide free individual and group tutoring, our Career Services program provides connections to internships and employment opportunities, and a full-time licensed professional counselor provides clinical mental health services, wellness programs and referrals to community-based resources.”

On campus, a food pantry assists students struggling with food insecurity, and a new clothes closet offers them professional clothing and accessories.

“Both the faculty and the staff go above and beyond to make sure students have the tools and support they need to succeed,” said Msgr. Swetland.

‘Making a generational difference’

“Despite growing public skepticism about the value of a college education,” said Msgr. Swetland, “postsecondary credentials continue to be key to improving economic and social mobility for lower-income individuals and families.”

And Donnelly continues to be recognized for its success.

U.S. News & World Report has named Donnelly “the Most Diverse College in the Midwest” for seven years in a row.

Last year, the college was ranked third in the Midwest for least debt at graduation, eighth for economic diversity of students and 13th for social mobility of graduates.

“We’re also making a generational difference,” said Msgr. Swetland. “The benefits of college education extend to the children of our graduates and even future generations.

“Studies show that children of college- educated parents enjoy reduced unemployment, lower poverty rates, lower levels of incarceration and even better health.”

Donnelly offers multiple associates degrees, a Bachelor of Arts degree in business leadership and a Bachelor of Science in nursing. In fall 2024, Donnelly launched a new public health associate degree program.

It will launch a new RN-to-BSN completion program in fall 2025. Prospective students have begun taking prerequisite classes this spring.

“We are forming the next generation of business, community and parish leaders,” said Msgr. Swetland. “We know that, already, two out of three jobs in our region require education beyond high school.”

For Maradiaga, setting Donnelly students up for success for the past nine years has been a blessing.

“Everyone in our community — staff, faculty and students — understand that they are a valuable part of a transformational educational experience in which growing in knowledge while serving others helps them become better versions of themselves,” she said.

To learn more about Donnelly, visit the website at: donnelly.edu.