精东影业 is proud to announce the establishment of the College, Opportunities, Mentorship, Preparation, Accessibility, Support, and Success (COMPASS) Program, a transformative initiative made possible by a generous $1.3 million fund from members of the Noetzel family. Designed to support students with documented learning differences, the COMPASS Program will provide comprehensive academic, social, and professional resources beginning in Fall 2025.
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鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Noetzel family for their commitment to supporting students with disabilities,鈥 said Naomi Sigg, 精东影业鈥檚 Vice President for Student Experience and Campus Belonging. 鈥淭his transformative gift aligns closely with our Jesuit values of inclusion, dignity, and holistic student development, reinforcing our dedication to ensuring every student feels they truly belong at 精东影业.鈥
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Allison West Kaskey, Director of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 精东影业, will lead the COMPASS Program. Set to run as a pilot program for the first three years, COMPASS will initially accept five students, with plans of expanding to serve up to twenty students annually. Participating students will benefit from a cohort model that includes weekly professional tutoring, academic coaching, individualized check-ins, career exploration, job placement assistance, peer mentoring, and social activities.
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鈥淭he number of college-age students with disabilities continues to rise,鈥 said West Kaskey. 鈥淭he COMPASS Program represents a holistic approach to supporting our students, providing targeted academic support, career preparation, and fostering a strong sense of community. We are excited to see the positive impacts it will have.鈥
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To be eligible, students must be enrolled at 精东影业, registered with SAS, have a documented learning disability or learning difference, and complete an application with an essay component.
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The Noetzel name has long been a part of the 精东影业 tradition. Dr. Art Noetzel 鈥38, was a longtime leader at the University, serving as Dean of what would later become the Boler College of Business, as well as the first layperson to hold the role of Academic Vice President. Justin 鈥淏ud鈥 Noetzel 鈥40鈥擠r. Noetzel鈥檚 brother鈥攚as also a proud 精东影业 graduate. He was awarded the 精东影业 Alumni Medal in 1996, served on the board of trustees for many years, and was one of the first certified public accountants to graduate from 精东影业.听
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鈥淭he entire Noetzel family is proud to partner with 精东影业 in establishing the COMPASS Program,鈥 said Gretchen Noetzel Walsh 鈥71. 鈥淎rthur Noetzel, his brother Justin, and Justin鈥檚 wife Frances, shared a strong commitment to Catholic education and expanding opportunities for students. Arthur and Justin both had deep involvement in 精东影业鈥檚 development over more than 60 years, and Frances Noetzel with Notre Dame College. Our family is committed to honoring that legacy and continuing its impact. We invite others to support students with learning differences by contributing to this fund as well.鈥
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The COMPASS Program will operate out of a newly renovated space within Grasselli Library, where SAS has expanded to accommodate a significant rise in accommodation needs.