Lansdale’s Michelle Bauer Receives First-ever Molyneaux Scholarship at La Salle University (and had her picture taken with Peter Boyle!)

After her interview for a new scholarship at La Salle University, Michelle Bauer missed a call at the restaurant where she works. The message was cryptic, but it was from Paul Perrello, chairman of the scholarship committee, and it was too late on a Friday to return the call. She phoned him the next morning and left a message, but it was Saturday and there was no way she’d hear back until Monday.

On Monday, in class, the Lansdale resident felt her cell phone vibrate. She tried to leave the class to answer it, but the door was stuck! She finally got it open but she again missed a call from Perrello!

“I couldn’t stand the stress,” said Bauer, a senior Communication major, but in the end, she got in touch with Perrello, and heard good news: she was the first recipient of the Brother Gerard Molyneaux Scholarship.

The scholarship was awarded at the Communication Department’s Shining Star dinner, held at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia. Bauer was honored along with actor Peter Boyle, a La Salle alum, who was awarded the department’s Shining Star Award, and she had her picture taken with him.

“I really enjoyed being honored alongside Peter Boyle,” said Bauer. “He makes La Salle, myself included, proud with his great work and skill in his craft.”

The scholarship is funded by communication alumni. It is named after Brother Gerard (“Gerry”) Molyneaux, who founded the department.

“It was a difficult decision because Ms. Bauer was to set the standard for all future applicants,” said Perrello, who is a La Salle graduate.

Lynn Texter, chair of the department, said Bauer “impressed the scholarship committee with not only her academic excellence and work experience, but also with her motivation, community service, poise and humility. Michelle is an excellent choice as the first recipient and she has set a high standard for all future communication majors.”

Bauer hopes to work in corporate public relations after graduation. She has interned at the Pennsylvania Ballet, Calcutta House, a shelter for homeless people with AIDS/HIV, and the Communication Department.

She is Public Relations Vice President of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

“We were looking for someone to set the bar and show a true Lasallian spirit,” said Robert O’Brien, another member of the scholarship committee and La Salle alum.

“I am so proud of her,” said Bauer’s mother, Theresa. “She is what every parent could want in a child.”