Christiana Christopoulos ’27 and Stephen Quinn ’27 have received the prestigious Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B. Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This annual distinction rewards students who demonstrate leadership, peer empowerment, and active campus participation with a tuition-free senior year.
First-generation student Christiana Christopoulos ’27 knows the dedicated perseverance and discipline it takes to succeed. Consistently ranked in the top third of her class, the aspiring school social worker follows her curiosity through questions and routinely approaches studies with the focused intention of learning something new. While she strives for academic achievement, the Elementary Education major also contributes to a diverse range of causes on and beyond the Hilltop. Christopoulos has participated in the Transitions Program as a peer mentor, Foster and Adoptive Parents Night Out, Education Society, Active Minds, and S.E.E.K. Anselmian Leadership Development Program. When she isn’t on campus, she extends her kindness to families through volunteer work with Brookhaven Hospice and the kid’s room at the Community Center at Saint Raphael’s Parish. Christopoulos has additionally participated in faith-centered conversations and worship services at the Orthodox Christian Fellowship via Campus Ministry.
As a student teacher, Christopoulos helps elementary students feel empowered and encouraged. Her inclusive leadership style and empathetic desire to uplift is a testament to the inevitable impact she will have on the future of education.
"Saint Anselm has given me so many opportunities to grow, both academically and personally, and being able to finish my time here with this support is something I am incredibly grateful for,” says Christopoulos. “I know firsthand how much it can mean to have someone show up for you when you need it, and the impact those experiences have had on my own life is a big part of what motivates me to give back."
Throughout her undergraduate tenure, Christopoulos has emulated the Benedictine tradition through her words and action. Her ambition, creativity, and willingness to deepen her knowledge have made her an asset to the many she has touched with her unrelenting generosity.
Whether he’s running a personal best or attending Mass as an alter server, Stephen Quinn ’27 defines what it means to be Anselmian. During his time at Saint Anselm, Quinn received guidance from faculty, staff, and the monastic community that inspired him to immerse himself in leadership roles of his own on campus.
In between track practice and meets, the Mathematics with Economics major tutors students in math and economics and works as a peer writing consultant in the Academic Resource Center (ARC). Quinn’s gentle demeanor and focused approach to educational support is highly regarded by ARC staff and those he’s helped, with several students returning for repeat study sessions. When a last-minute tutor is needed, Quinn is there to help — even on late nights and weekends.
“I not only enjoy listening to his tutorials, but I also see first-hand how much students learn with his assistance,” says Ann-Maria Contarino, the ARC’s assistant director for writing support. “He leads students to knowledge and insights through dialectic and cooperation, combining a clear mastery of subject matter with an instinctive pedagogical sense of pacing and explanatory strategies.”
Quinn further serves the campus community as captain of the men’s track and field team and works collaboratively with the Student Government Association and Campus Activities Board. He has even been as a judge and moderator at the annual Ken Goodchild Regional Ethics Bowl, an event he was invited to by his first-year experience professor. Quinn’s public speaking abilities and professional manner impressed faculty and high school students alike, as he conducted interactions with the same thoughtful approach he brings to all aspects of life.
“Being at a liberal arts college like Saint Anselm with so many strong extracurricular opportunities has really changed me as an individual,” says Quinn. “During the last three years I've been able to grow as a learner, leader, athlete, and most importantly a Catholic. I strongly that my time at Saint Anselm has made a better person and a more well-rounded individual.”
