February 17, 2005 Print this page

Montgomery’s Alissa Desperak, a Senior at La Salle University,Receives W.W. Smith Scholarship Prize

La Salle University senior Alissa Desperak juggles a full lineup of classes, an internship, a part-time job, and extracurricular activities. But her load just got $5,000 lighter, thanks to a scholarship from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust.

Desperak, a psychology and criminal justice major from Montgomery, N.J., is interning this semester with a juvenile probation officer in Bucks County, learning about the court system and what it takes to manage a juvenile offender’s case. She came to La Salle considering a major in business, but found her interest piqued in psychology class.

“I am really into people and their minds and how they work,” said Desperak, who is considering graduate school for psychology after graduation, with a long-term goal of possibly working for the FBI.

Outside of classes, her internship, and a part-time job as a babysitter and tutor, Desperak has been involved with La Salle’s Judicial Board, which hears cases pertaining to violations of the University’s rules and regulations. Desperak sees her work there as valuable training for a future career.

“It involves listening to both sides and keeping an open mind,” she said. “People come before the board, and their initial appearance is not necessarily who they are.”

Desperak said the scholarship helps her family “a ton,” as she has a twin sister who is also in college.

To be considered for a $5,000 W.W. Smith Scholarship Prize, a student must have a strong academic record, with a GPA of at least 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and be involved in extracurricular activities or community service.