Graduating student supported through scholarship

The Coastal Courageous Finish Scholarship is part of the “22 Courageous Gifts in 2022” giving campaign – a campus-wide fundraising initiative at WPU. Donors, like the Coastal Credit Union Foundation, support this initiative by making a courageous commitment that provides our students with the resources needed to turn their passion into purpose, at a level of at least $25,000.

Marerika Monroe ’22 remembers the moment she received the email letting her know she received the Coastal Courageous Finish Scholarship. 

She screenshotted the news and sent it to her mother. Until that moment, neither was sure how Monroe would finish paying her senior year tuition. This scholarship covered her remaining balance and enabled her to graduate. 

Her mother cried tears of joy. 

The Coastal Courageous Finish Scholarship seeks to impact students just like Monroe. Established thanks to the generosity of the Coastal Credit Union Foundation, it provides well-performing WPU junior and senior students with support to overcome remaining financial barriers that could prevent them from completing their education. 

Including Monroe, nine students have already been impacted by the scholarship.

“This scholarship meant that I could finish college with a degree and no worries about my finances to complete college,” Monroe said. “I feel very blessed and grateful to receive the scholarship.” 

Now a WPU graduate, Monroe works in her hometown Winston-Salem as the area coordinator for the residence life department at Salem Academy. 

A Theatre major, she found her way to WPU through a mentor’s recommendation. 

She knew WPU was the school for her when she received her acceptance letter the same day she auditioned for her first WPU production. 

She landed that part in that play and went on to star in three other WPU productions. She also performed at Raleigh Little Theatre and NC State’s Theatre Department.

“As a woman of color, I want to bring my own style and voice to the characters I play. WPU has given me the confidence to do that,” Monroe said. “My professors challenge me to be more than just a singer and to be courageous in the roles I audition for.” 

Outside of theatre, she served as an Admissions Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and dance team captain at WPU.