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MORE THAN A SCHOLARSHIP—A PROGRAM FOR YOUR SUCCESS
The Noel Compass Scholarship (NCS) is a privately funded Scholarship established to encourage and reward academic achievement, leadership, and citizenship for students of color from Wisconsin high schools who attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
(UWSP). This $ 6,000-a-year renewable scholarship is more than just a scholarship—it's a student success program that focuses on what we call the Five Ships (Fellowship, Internship, Leadership, Mentorship, and Scholarship). NCS scholars participate in a NCS student organization, leadership and professional development workshops, social and community activities, philanthropic opportunities, as well as an annual retreat with NCS founders John and Patty Noel. Additionally, scholars work with the NCS Coordinator, who will coach and guide them through their years at UWSP and the NCS program experience.
(UWSP). This $ 6,000-a-year renewable scholarship is more than just a scholarship—it's a student success program that focuses on what we call the Five Ships (Fellowship, Internship, Leadership, Mentorship, and Scholarship). NCS scholars participate in a NCS student organization, leadership and professional development workshops, social and community activities, philanthropic opportunities, as well as an annual retreat with NCS founders John and Patty Noel. Additionally, scholars work with the NCS Coordinator, who will coach and guide them through their years at UWSP and the NCS program experience.
ABOUT US
"To be an ambassador of diversity while motivating and
encouraging others through exemplifying leadership and
open-mindedness. In addition, experiencing the
wholesome education required to bring forth successful
citizens of the world. "
~ John and Patty Noel, Founders
Our Story
The Noel Compass Scholarship (NCS) program serves Wisconsin students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP). It is grounded in the idea that through diversity, we can discover all the world's enlightened ideas. It's how we learn about the world around us. We believe that the best ideas and the most effective solutions come from people who actively seek out diverse perspectives. They recognize that diverse viewpoints and backgrounds foster diverse thinking, which in turn helps solve problems, advances discovery, and makes UWSP, our community, the state, and the world a better place. The NCS was created to help a group of diverse, talented UWSP student leaders, carefully selected, nurtured, trained, and mentored, serve as effective campus leaders. After graduation, they serve as leaders prepared to serve, lead, and shape the future in their workplace, career, and community. Our goal is to train these leaders of tomorrow.
History
The NCS Program was founded by John and Patty Noel, lifelong entrepreneurs and philanthropists, at UWSP in 1996 to identify and recruit promising diversity students from some of the most underserved and challenged high schools in Wisconsin. The program awards a yearly $6,000 scholarship to a select group of new and continuing UWSP students chosen through a competitive process. Additionally, the NCS Scholars participate in an NCS student organization that serves the campus and the Stevens Point community, as well as leadership and professional development training workshops and experiences and an NCS network of scholar alums across the country. These programs provide them with the tools and support they need to graduate from college and become productive, thriving members of society. Over the past 25 years, more than 50 NCS scholars have participated in the program.
OUR FOUNDERS
Patty and John Noel, both graduates of UWSP, founded Travel Guard, the Noel Group, and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. In addition to this scholarship, the Noels also co-founded the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County and are major benefactors of UWSP, including a substantial gift for the renovation of the Noel Fine Arts Center. According to former UWSP Chancellor Bernie Patterson, "John and Patty's tireless support of humanitarian causes has transformed—and in many cases saved—the lives of thousands of individuals."
The Noels have also been very active in the Milwaukee area, involving projects ranging from Children's Hospital to economic development initiatives. "I've known John Noel for several decades," said former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett at the Groundbreaking for a new BMO Harris branch in the Sherman Park community. "He and his family are committed to improving the economic realities for people who live in our city. We appreciate all that John and his family have done for Milwaukee."
John and Patty's generosity and vision transcend Wisconsin and the United States. In 1993, the Noels established Make a Mark, a nonprofit humanitarian project that funds sustainable building projects in developing countries. The current focus is a cooperative effort with UWSP called Trees 4 Children, in which forestry principles are utilized to contribute to the financial self-sustainability of a village in Kenya that supports over 1,000 children and elders affected by HIV/AIDS.
The Noels have also been very active in the Milwaukee area, involving projects ranging from Children's Hospital to economic development initiatives. "I've known John Noel for several decades," said former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett at the Groundbreaking for a new BMO Harris branch in the Sherman Park community. "He and his family are committed to improving the economic realities for people who live in our city. We appreciate all that John and his family have done for Milwaukee."
John and Patty's generosity and vision transcend Wisconsin and the United States. In 1993, the Noels established Make a Mark, a nonprofit humanitarian project that funds sustainable building projects in developing countries. The current focus is a cooperative effort with UWSP called Trees 4 Children, in which forestry principles are utilized to contribute to the financial self-sustainability of a village in Kenya that supports over 1,000 children and elders affected by HIV/AIDS.
OUR SCHOLAR SUCCESS PROGRAM—THE FIVE SHIPS
The NCS leadership and retention program focuses on the FIVE SHIPS— Scholarship, Internship, Mentorship, Fellowship, and Leadership. Each of these “ships” is designed to help each NCS Scholar through their journey at the UWSP, help them thrive at UWSP, become a student servant leader, and prepare them for the next chapter of their life after graduation. Scholars participate in the following activities:
NCS Student Club—NCS scholars are automatically a member of the NCS student organization. As a member, scholars will work to advance the FIVE SHIPS on campus and in the Stevens Point community and experience personal growth benefits.
Scholars will:
Learn more about themselves.
Develop soft skills.
Learn how to work with a team.
Experience networking opportunities.
Use the skills they’ve learned in class.
Learn how to engage with diverse groups of people
Gain leadership skills.
Get a break from their studies.
Expand their resume.
Give back to the community
Have fun!
Tailored Guidance and Advising— Scholars meet with the NCS Coordinator once a month individually and as a group every two weeks to review academic progress, student life issues, NCS activities, and important social issues identified by scholars.
Professional and Leadership Development Training—The NCS offers a range of professional development opportunities for our scholars, including career development workshops, career coaching, and access to an extensive alumni network. NCS has partnered with several corporate training programs to provide our Scholars with the tools and opportunities to compete for the most competitive internships and leadership-track positions in various fields.
Community and Campus Service—We believe that volunteering is more than just a nice thing to do—it’s a chance for our Scholars to grow, connect, and make a difference. We’ve partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County, UWSP, and other organizations to share our time and build our servant leadership skills.
Here’s why we volunteer and why it’s so important for our Scholars:
Personal Growth: Volunteering helps our scholars develop essential skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, outside of the classroom.
Community Connection: It builds relationships beyond campus borders, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of local needs.
Professional Development: Volunteering offers valuable networking opportunities and demonstrates qualities like initiative and dedication that future employers
highly value.
Impact: Every contribution, big or small, makes a positive difference in the world, empowering NCS Scholars to be agents of change and innovation.
NCS Student Club—NCS scholars are automatically a member of the NCS student organization. As a member, scholars will work to advance the FIVE SHIPS on campus and in the Stevens Point community and experience personal growth benefits.
Scholars will:
Learn more about themselves.
Develop soft skills.
Learn how to work with a team.
Experience networking opportunities.
Use the skills they’ve learned in class.
Learn how to engage with diverse groups of people
Gain leadership skills.
Get a break from their studies.
Expand their resume.
Give back to the community
Have fun!
Tailored Guidance and Advising— Scholars meet with the NCS Coordinator once a month individually and as a group every two weeks to review academic progress, student life issues, NCS activities, and important social issues identified by scholars.
Professional and Leadership Development Training—The NCS offers a range of professional development opportunities for our scholars, including career development workshops, career coaching, and access to an extensive alumni network. NCS has partnered with several corporate training programs to provide our Scholars with the tools and opportunities to compete for the most competitive internships and leadership-track positions in various fields.
Community and Campus Service—We believe that volunteering is more than just a nice thing to do—it’s a chance for our Scholars to grow, connect, and make a difference. We’ve partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County, UWSP, and other organizations to share our time and build our servant leadership skills.
Here’s why we volunteer and why it’s so important for our Scholars:
Personal Growth: Volunteering helps our scholars develop essential skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, outside of the classroom.
Community Connection: It builds relationships beyond campus borders, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of local needs.
Professional Development: Volunteering offers valuable networking opportunities and demonstrates qualities like initiative and dedication that future employers
highly value.
Impact: Every contribution, big or small, makes a positive difference in the world, empowering NCS Scholars to be agents of change and innovation.
HOW TO APPLY
Selecting a NCS scholar is a dynamic process, beginning with your application. You can apply if you're a student of color and a Wisconsin high
school graduating senior who meets the scholarship selection criteria. We actively seek diversity students who are positive, motivated, talented, and ambitious, focusing
on leaders in their high schools and communities, committed to their education, and those who demonstrate academic potential and are interested in teamwork and diversity.
To be considered for the scholarship, you'll have to meet the following criteria:
• Must be a Wisconsin resident
• Must be admitted to UWSP
• Must complete NCS application
• Minimum of 2.7 GPA
• Involved in high school activities
• Demonstrate leadership within their high school, community, or family
• Demonstrate academic potential
To maintain or renew the scholarship:
• Maintain a 2.7 semester GPA
• Participate in NCS-organized activities
• Meet every month with the NCS coordinator for mentorship
Applications are available starting March 25, 2026, and will close April 25, 2026. The Noel Family Foundation determines the number of scholarships available each year. To
apply, click the apply button:
school graduating senior who meets the scholarship selection criteria. We actively seek diversity students who are positive, motivated, talented, and ambitious, focusing
on leaders in their high schools and communities, committed to their education, and those who demonstrate academic potential and are interested in teamwork and diversity.
To be considered for the scholarship, you'll have to meet the following criteria:
• Must be a Wisconsin resident
• Must be admitted to UWSP
• Must complete NCS application
• Minimum of 2.7 GPA
• Involved in high school activities
• Demonstrate leadership within their high school, community, or family
• Demonstrate academic potential
To maintain or renew the scholarship:
• Maintain a 2.7 semester GPA
• Participate in NCS-organized activities
• Meet every month with the NCS coordinator for mentorship
Applications are available starting March 25, 2026, and will close April 25, 2026. The Noel Family Foundation determines the number of scholarships available each year. To
apply, click the apply button:
NCS selection is a multi-step process for new scholars. The process starts with an initial review of applications by the NCS selection committee composed of members
from the Noel Family Foundation and NCS alumni. The selection committee will determine NCS finalists to be interviewed for the final scholarship selection from that
review. NCS scholars are selected after an on-campus interview with the selection committee.
MEET OUR SCHOLARS
Knowing our current Scholars is the best way to learn more about the NCS. NCS Scholars exemplify the qualities of our scholarship program. The interests of our scholars are as varied as their life stories. What remains consistent is their demonstrated focus on making a positive difference on our campus and community, their dedication to serving others, their commitment to personal and professional growth, their respect for others, and their devotion to diversity and inclusivity. NCS scholars are leaders. Over the past 30 years, more than 50 NCS scholars have graduated from UWSP.
Makhi Etheridge
He/Him
Pre-Nursing Major
Hometown: Manitowoc Wisconsin
I'm the current treasurer for the Noel Compass Scholarship program, and I'm majoring in Pre-Nursing. I'm currently in my second year of nursing school, but I'm in my third year of the program. With this major, I plan to attend nursing school and graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May of 2027. I will then plan to pursue my master’s degree in nursing and obtain my Nurse Practitioner license. Being a part of this Noel family means more to me than what is just on the surface. The key word of this scholarship program is the word "family" and this will always be a family to me. This scholarship has not only helped me throughout my college career but also helped me build relationships with the people it comes with. This scholarship has truly changed my life forever.
He/Him
Pre-Nursing Major
Hometown: Manitowoc Wisconsin
I'm the current treasurer for the Noel Compass Scholarship program, and I'm majoring in Pre-Nursing. I'm currently in my second year of nursing school, but I'm in my third year of the program. With this major, I plan to attend nursing school and graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May of 2027. I will then plan to pursue my master’s degree in nursing and obtain my Nurse Practitioner license. Being a part of this Noel family means more to me than what is just on the surface. The key word of this scholarship program is the word "family" and this will always be a family to me. This scholarship has not only helped me throughout my college career but also helped me build relationships with the people it comes with. This scholarship has truly changed my life forever.
Paola (Pao) Herrera Gomez
She/Her
Biochemistry Major/Neuroscience Minor
Hometown: Stevens Point Wisconsin (Originally La Libertad El Salvador)
My name is Paola Herrera Gomez, but I go by Pao. I am a Biochemistry student minoring in Neuroscience. Since being a part of this scholarship, it has proven time and again to have a profound impact in my college career and my life. This program has helped me find a community of people that inspire each other to grow. We often share our challenges and celebrate each other's successes. We are committed to our common goal of helping the community around us and providing our scholars with opportunities to improve professionally and personally. I am happy to have served this year as one of the Vice presidents of our group, where I connect our scholars to
volunteer opportunities in our community and help create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
She/Her
Biochemistry Major/Neuroscience Minor
Hometown: Stevens Point Wisconsin (Originally La Libertad El Salvador)
My name is Paola Herrera Gomez, but I go by Pao. I am a Biochemistry student minoring in Neuroscience. Since being a part of this scholarship, it has proven time and again to have a profound impact in my college career and my life. This program has helped me find a community of people that inspire each other to grow. We often share our challenges and celebrate each other's successes. We are committed to our common goal of helping the community around us and providing our scholars with opportunities to improve professionally and personally. I am happy to have served this year as one of the Vice presidents of our group, where I connect our scholars to
volunteer opportunities in our community and help create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Alexandra (Lexa) Silavanh
She/Her
Biochemistry (Pre-Med) Major/Music (Clarinet) Minor
Hometown: Wausau Wisconsin
I am the current President of the Noel Compass Scholarship Program. I am a third-year college student studying Biochemistry (Pre-Medicine) and Music (Clarinet). Being a Noel Compass Scholar involves engaging in diverse and inclusive communities, community service, and strengthening leadership skills. The Noel Compass Scholarship has given me more than just an opportunity, it has given me lifelong friendships and a family outside of mine. Truly, this scholarship has changed my life.
She/Her
Biochemistry (Pre-Med) Major/Music (Clarinet) Minor
Hometown: Wausau Wisconsin
I am the current President of the Noel Compass Scholarship Program. I am a third-year college student studying Biochemistry (Pre-Medicine) and Music (Clarinet). Being a Noel Compass Scholar involves engaging in diverse and inclusive communities, community service, and strengthening leadership skills. The Noel Compass Scholarship has given me more than just an opportunity, it has given me lifelong friendships and a family outside of mine. Truly, this scholarship has changed my life.
Kobe Sabally
He/Him
Chemical Engineering and Paper Science Major/Chemistry Minor
Hometown: Little Chute Wisconsin
I’m Kobe Sabally, and I’m majoring in Chemical Engineering and Paper Science with plans to graduate May 2028. To me this scholarship is about creating a community where everyone thrives and feels comfortable being who they are. It’s often described as a second family to many of our members. It has given me my first and strongest friends since coming to Point, and I give back by curating the vision that John and Patty Noel had for this scholarship. I couldn’t imagine my life without being apart of this amazing community.
He/Him
Chemical Engineering and Paper Science Major/Chemistry Minor
Hometown: Little Chute Wisconsin
I’m Kobe Sabally, and I’m majoring in Chemical Engineering and Paper Science with plans to graduate May 2028. To me this scholarship is about creating a community where everyone thrives and feels comfortable being who they are. It’s often described as a second family to many of our members. It has given me my first and strongest friends since coming to Point, and I give back by curating the vision that John and Patty Noel had for this scholarship. I couldn’t imagine my life without being apart of this amazing community.
Arianna (Ari) Valenzuela
She’Her
Medical Laboratory Science Major/Chemistry Minor
Hometown: Milwaukee
The Noel Compass Scholarship has grown from just being an organization to a real family for me. I have gotten the privilege of getting to know every single scholar within the group, the wonderful board for the scholarship, and of course, John and Patty Noel. The Noel’s have given me a community, a home away from home. They have made it easier to adjust to being in a new city and being on my own for the first time ever. I have worked hard as the secretary within the Noel Compass Scholarship to give back to this wonderful program, and to ensure we are the best we can be. I have tried to make it easier for all of us to communicate. It’s important for everyone to express
their ideas and have the opportunity to have their voices heard, just as I feel my voice has been
She’Her
Medical Laboratory Science Major/Chemistry Minor
Hometown: Milwaukee
The Noel Compass Scholarship has grown from just being an organization to a real family for me. I have gotten the privilege of getting to know every single scholar within the group, the wonderful board for the scholarship, and of course, John and Patty Noel. The Noel’s have given me a community, a home away from home. They have made it easier to adjust to being in a new city and being on my own for the first time ever. I have worked hard as the secretary within the Noel Compass Scholarship to give back to this wonderful program, and to ensure we are the best we can be. I have tried to make it easier for all of us to communicate. It’s important for everyone to express
their ideas and have the opportunity to have their voices heard, just as I feel my voice has been
Keaton Grady
He/Him
Environmental Science and Management Major
Hometown: Milwaukee Wisconsin
The Noel Compass Scholarship program has changed my life more than I could have ever imagined. Not only has it helped me, and my family pay for my college It has provided me with a new family full of amazing and wonderful, kind-hearted people. It helped me step out of my comfort zone and be more open with others, The many volunteer opportunities we partake in have helped our group provide and give back to our community.
He/Him
Environmental Science and Management Major
Hometown: Milwaukee Wisconsin
The Noel Compass Scholarship program has changed my life more than I could have ever imagined. Not only has it helped me, and my family pay for my college It has provided me with a new family full of amazing and wonderful, kind-hearted people. It helped me step out of my comfort zone and be more open with others, The many volunteer opportunities we partake in have helped our group provide and give back to our community.
Kazie Quinette
She/Her
Business Major/Art Minor
Hometown: Green Bay Wisconsin
In the Noel Compass Scholarship Program, I am a part of the membership committee where I help plan fun events for us scholars and I was just elected Vice President of the Noel Compass Scholarship student organization. The program has impacted my life greatly and has had me making a good difference in the community.
She/Her
Business Major/Art Minor
Hometown: Green Bay Wisconsin
In the Noel Compass Scholarship Program, I am a part of the membership committee where I help plan fun events for us scholars and I was just elected Vice President of the Noel Compass Scholarship student organization. The program has impacted my life greatly and has had me making a good difference in the community.
Contact
For more information about the NCS, feel free to contact the NCS Coordinator:
Scott West
E-Mail: [email protected]
Scott West
E-Mail: [email protected]