AU KJS Memorial Scholarship Winners

“I knew that I wanted to be involved in government from a young age. I want to be one of the good actors in our government that make positive and impactful change. I came to American University because I knew that I could gain an education and an experience that would help me along my path. I joined the College Democrats as soon as I was able and was quickly exposed to Kevin’s legacy of advocacy and hard work. I was honored to organize the Kevin J. Sutherland Memorial Banquet and to receive the scholarship in his name as well. I’m glad to know Doug and Terry and have their backup with me throughout my time at AU. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and thrive in whatever I do at school.”

-Dru Dunn, 5th Recipient of the KJS Memorial Scholarship 2023

“Kevin left an undeniable mark on AU; he is, of course, memorialized through the existence of various student organizations, who continue to benefit from the robust, detailed work that he once poured in. However, it might be said that Kevin left behind a larger, more important legacy: one of exceptional compassion and ambition. It is a privilege to have received the Kevin Joseph Sutherland Memorial Scholarship – to be associated with such a legacy, to be invested in as a future public servant. While this scholarship has certainly helped me with financial need, it has also introduced me to an inspiring role model and a wonderful support system. Above all, the scholarship has encouraged me to ponder the mark I choose to leave on the world – and to hope it will be something like the one Kevin left.”

- Dakota Willenbrock, 4th Recipient of the KJS Memorial Scholarship
2022

“As someone who has been interested in public service since before applying to college, receiving the KJS Scholarship while a student at American University was an honor that I have had the privilege of accepting. The scholarship allowed me to continue my studies and work towards my goal of becoming a public servant through the use of law as a tool for justice. It also introduced me to Doug and Terry, who are some of the kindest people I have ever met and have continuously supported me since our very first Zoom call. From the photographs around the School of Public Affairs, to the impact that he left on the students of American University and the community as a whole, Kevin's legacy lives on and I am forever grateful to be a part of it.“

- Gavin Rangel, 3rd Recipient of the KJS memorial Scholarship
2021

“In my time at AU College Dems and AUSG, Kevin’s legacy was unmistakable. The mark he left on the AU community continues to be seen and experienced by new generations of students every year. It has been a privilege to follow in his footsteps during my college career, to receive the Memorial Scholarship and to serve in the federal government. I proudly display some of his photos at my desk as a reminder of his love for our nation’s capital, and of his faith in the good that can come from public service.”

- Alex Russo, 2nd Recipient of the AU KJS Memorial Scholarship
2019

"Kevin set a high bar for what it means to serve as a student leader at AU. His example served as an important guide to me during my time on campus, especially during the moments when I worked out of the Kevin J. Sutherland Executive Office of the AU Student Government, which was named in his honor. I remain grateful to be the inaugural recipient of the memorial scholarship. It helped make my college education more affordable and I know it will continue to do the same for the recipients who come after me."

- Devontae Torrente, Inaugural KJS Memorial Scholarship Recipient
2017