Alyssa Rossi

Dorene and I had the joy of attending the annual Vanguard Scholarship Reception. That evening $100,600 was awarded in institutional scholarships for the 2013-2014 year. The Renee Myers Scholarship for physically challenged students is part of the $2.9 million endowment’s with a market value of $3.8 million. Because you have partnered with us, and because you have been willing to give, students will receive financial assistance for years to come.

Even though you were not present we celebrated you and this year’s scholarship recipients at the reception on September 12. President Michael Beals spoke of the privilege Vanguard has in equipping students for a spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service. He thanked donors for creating such a lasting legacy.

Alyssa Rossi is the first recipient of the Renee Myers Memorial Scholarship. We were thrilled to meet Alyssa for the first time at the reception. Alyssa is a junior music major with an emphasis in voice studies. She serves as a worship leader with the Spiritual Formation Department, and performs with the Concert choir. She intends to pursue a career as a choir director, vocal coach, or music therapist. Alyssa has excelled as a blind student and has made a major impact on the Vanguard student body.

In our table discussion we discovered that Alyssa’s home is in Palmdale, California. She was raised only blocks from Renee’s accident site. Alyssa is such a gracious loving young lady. She wanted us to share her note. “Thank you for caring about Vanguard students – this is a huge blessing for me!”

 With gratitude,

Dan and Dorene Myers, Parents of Renee Myers

ALYSSA, A REMARKABLE YOUNG LADY

ALYSSA ROSSI
Religion major, member of Conert Choir
She wouldn’t let a congenital condition keep her from pursuing her dream.

When Alyssa Rossi decided to attend Vanguard University after hearing Vanguard Singers and Band perform at her church, she faced challenges a bit more formidable than a typical student’s. She was born with a condition called Leber’s congenital amaurosis, which means she can detect light and darkness, but otherwise she is totally blind. “It’s my way of life,” she says. “I’m very happy with it.”

As a religion major and member of Concert Choir, Alyssa has committed herself fully to her plan to minister to people through worship and teaching after graduation. She is given assistance in reaching this goal through the Vanguard University Counseling Center, which communicates with her professors and provides textbooks and technology that accommodate her needs. The support goes beyond the classroom; in the concert choir, she learns the songs by sound and participates in concerts and tours, she has flourished under the mentorship of professors, and she and her guide dog January have enjoyed Vanguard’s social community. And Alyssa is aware of the powerful force that’s helping to write her story at Vanguard. “I felt the Holy Spirit here and thought, how could you do any better than this? Why go anywhere else?”