Nikole Scappe is a senior with a dual major in marketing and management.
Why did you choose La Roche?
I wanted to go to a small school where the professors knew my name. I knew I wouldn’t do well in an auditorium setting with hundreds of students. If I have a question about an assignment, I prefer to have an immediate individual response. That is what I get at La Roche.
Did you/do you receive any scholarships? How have those scholarships helped you?
When I transferred to La Roche University, I received the La Roche Merit Commuter Scholarship, which continues to help me decrease my student loans. I also received The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of The National Hemophilia Foundation’s (NHF) scholarship in 2014 and 2015.
Recently, I received The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) Susan Skinner Memorial Scholarship for demonstrating outstanding leadership to improve the care of women with bleeding disorders in their communities and the country.
What do you think makes La Roche a special place?
As a community everyone is accepted, regardless of race, gender or religion. We have students from all parts of the world, including Nepal, India, China and Saudi Arabia. Many of the friendships formed at La Roche last a lifetime, and the community often comes together in support of individual or groups of students.
What has been your favorite La Roche experience to date?
The Virgin Islands Hurricane Relief Fundraiser. I was responsible for orchestrating the event.
During the last couple of months, students from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico were very distraught since the storms hit their homes. I wanted to do something that would make them feel better and let them know that we were aware of what they were experiencing. I decided to do everything in my power to raise funds to send much needed supplies to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
What activities on campus do you participate in, and how do they enhance your college experience?
I am the Marketing Club President. My officers and I plan various events including fundraisers, fields trips and school activities. This fall the club took a day trip to Heinz Field, where club members had the opportunity to learn from the Steelers marketing department employees and get a private tour of the stadium.
We also assist club members to prepare themselves for the workforce by giving them the opportunities to gain real marketing experience. Since I have been president, the club has raised over $10,000 for various nonprofit organizations.
What other volunteer activities are you involved in, and why are they important to you?
This past summer I interned with NHF in New York City. I worked with the education and management division to help create and refine some of their educational workshops.
I am now a paid liaison speaker for the organization. These volunteer activities are important to me because I have a bleeding disorder, so I am acutely aware of the psychological and physiological issues associated with people affected by bleeding disorders.
I also am a member of NHF’s board of directors and a member of the World Federation of Hemophilia Youth Leadership Advisory Committee. This May I will be one of two women representing the United States helping to plan and facilitate programming and youth sessions for World Congress in Glasgow, Scotland.
What are your plans after graduation?
Currently I am applying for a few positions in the Pittsburgh area. I want to get more professional experience, and eventually work for the NHF.
My dream would be to work on a team for NHF or WFH that helps folks learn from either organization on a global scale.
I also plan to work toward my goal of being nominated and chosen as a voting member of the WFH USA Board of Directors.