Where are they now?

Since the Foundation started in 1992, it has awarded 1110 scholarships.  See what some of our recipients are up to now!

Donglin Zhang, 2015 Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipient

July 2023

I know it has been many years since you so kindly awarded me the Brian LaViolette scholarship, but it’s a moment and honor that I carry with me and remember often. 

I just wanted to share briefly that I am currently in my fourth and very last year of medical school here at MCW-Milwaukee. From July 2022-June 2023, I took a leave of absence from MCW to complete a year of research with UW Madison Department of Dermatology, which has allowed me to become a stronger scientist and thinker.

In preparation to apply for some research fellowships, I was reminded of that morning in high school when your family and mine came to my school to surprise me with the award. Whenever I think of that moment, my heart is filled with warmth and a bit more strength to keep working.

I am learning medicine on the wards and not just from the books. This comes with it its own set of challenges but also rewards - the chance to contribute to the care of another person while learning from it. I should do well to remember that "the journey is the reward," especially on the most challenging of days. 

The other lesson I am learning is that in choosing medicine, I have chosen a field that will always encounter suffering, pain, and loss. There is no easy way to cope except to understand that my calling is to work with my colleagues to face these challenges with hope, innovation, and kindness. This is an example that you and your family have set for me and for all who come to know of Brian's legacy. 

Thank you for believing in me,

Donglin Zhang

 Sarah Ames MacFarland, 1996 Brian laviolette scholarship recipient

Sarah received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship in 1996 from DePere High School.  She was the first woman recipient and has done a lot in the last 30 years.  Find out more about her story here: 

2022 International Poland Scholarship of Honor recipeint, Krzysztof Brodzik

Since receiving our scholarship in Poland, Krzysztof has had a lot of experiences in his field and in everyday life. He became a bone marrow donor... and saved a life in the process.  He continued his studies in Gdansk University to study Archeology while participating in special programs in the field.  And took part in an archaeological workshop at a famous archaeological site. 

“In a few weeks I start my second year, and I am writing to you because I want to say thank you for the scholarship, it was great support for me. Thanks to everybody who works in your foundation. It is a very good and worthy working project. I wish you luck and further success.”

Regards

Krzysztof Brodzik

BEN FISCHL, 2008 brian laviolette scholarship recipient

When we met Ben Fischl at the age of 18, we knew he had a great compassion for others and life in general.  We have watched him grow even more passionate and more determined to make a difference.  

We think you will feel and see what we mean here.

 Haley R.K. Okamura , 2010 Nainoa Hoe scholarship of Honor recipient

I can’t believe it’s been almost 11 years since I was a brand new MS1 at the University of Hawaii Army ROTC program and as a winner of the Nainoa Hoe scholarship and receive a gracious donation from the Brian LaViolette foundation. I commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in 2015 and spent three years in Fort Sill deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.  In 2019 I branch transferred to Medical Service Corps and was selected to serve as a 67J Army Aeromedical Evacuation Officer  where I became qualified to fly the UH-60M at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

I recently transferred to Fort Irwin California to the busiest active duty MEDEVAC in the Army CONUS as part of the C CO 2916th Aviation Battalion, Desert Dustoff!  I currently serve as the Operations Officer for the C CO and am beginning my transition from the UH60M to the UH60L.  I am truly grateful to have been selected to receive such an amazing gift and extend my deepest thanks and aloha to the Hoe family and the Brian LaViolette foundation. 

MARGARET VIOLA, 2011 Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor recipient

Margaret knew aerospace was for her when she was teaching in Somalia in East Africa.  She found herself volunteering at the area's airport and returned to the U.S. with a dream of receiving her private pilots license.  She has achieved that and more with a career at Virgin Galactic and now Airbus.  We think you will enjoy hearing more from her...

Tomáš Hataj, 2016 General patton scholarship of Honor recipient

"Brian's story is probably the biggest inspiration in my life"--Tomáš Hataj, 2016 General Patton Scholarship of Honor recipient, Plzen Czech Republic.  Tomáš speaks of the scholarship process and what it means to him to this day. 

FROM PREBLE HIGH SCHOOL TO NASA.. AN UPDATE FROM 2020 RECIPIENT, LAUREN BONETTI

"I will be forever grateful and honored to be a Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient. Brian's values are never not with me, and I am extremely proud to have a small part in his legacy. 

Next semester, I will be the AFROTC Cadet Wing Commander at the Marquette Detachment. I will be in charge of over 50 cadets and their training for 14 weeks...I am nervous, because I want to do a good job, but mostly excited. 

As for classes, I am only two semesters away from my bachelors in Electrical Engineering. I was just inducted into the Honors Electrical Engineering Society, and won outstanding junior electrical engineer of the semester in the spring. Over the next two semesters, I will be working on a senior design project with NASA - creating a lunar rover with some extremely niche capabilities. 

In May, I will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force or Space Force...hopefully the Space Force. I also applied for the in-service master's program, I am hoping to continue my education with Electrical Engineering." 

lily arendt, 2012 Brian laviolette scholarship recipient

"I cannot express how much it meant to be your 2012 Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipient. I think of Brian often and thanks to the kindness of your family.

Here we are 9 years later! A few weeks ago, I graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Next, I will complete a 1-year Residency in San Antonio, TX, as I was selected to receive specialized training in Ocular Disease and Refractive Surgery.

My family always joked that I’d be in school forever and finally after finishing my "20th grade”, I am officially done with school and so ready to take on the world as an Eye Doctor. You all came into my life at such an important time — as a Senior at Preble High — when I was deciding what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Your support and encouragement meant the world to me and propelled me forward into this amazing career. When school was challenging, I frequently reminded myself that the "Journey is the Reward” and WOW what a Journey it has been!"

Thank you all so much, Lily Arendt, O.D.

austin rios, 1995 Brian Laviolette scholarship recipient

Austin Rios was concentrated as the Bishop of California on May 4, 2024 after spending over a decade as an Episcopal priest in Rome Italy. Austin attended DePere High School, and he and Brian were good friends. Austin received the Brian's Scholarship in 1995.  He shares how Brian and the Foundation have impacted him and his Journey of becoming the only .

renata bruzdziak, 2009 International Scholarship of Honor- Poland.

Renata Bruzdziak received the International Scholarship of Honor in Poland.  She has graduated from the University of Warsaw.

todd simonis, first scholarship recipient

Todd Simonis received the first scholarship in 1993 through the Brian LaViolette Foundation.  He reflects on Brian and the years that have past over 20 years ago.

NIKITHA MURALI, 2011 brian laviolette scholarship recipient

Nikitha has accomplished a lot since she received the Brain LaViolette Scholarship in 2011.  She is now attending Medical School at Yale and shares more about her journey.

luke buttke, 2013 brian laviolette scholarship recipient

2013 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, Luke Buttke is studying at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.   Since the interview he has passed the MCATs and is moving forward with his medical degree.

zach sites, 2007 eric mccolley scholarship of honor recipient

Zach Sites received the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor at Gettysburg High School in 2007.  He became a paramedic and firefighter. Hear what he as been up to since, including one of his first calls as an EMT.

donglin zhang, 2015 brian laviolette scholarship recipient

Donglin Zhang, 2015 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, shares more about her Journey

mitch winter, St. norbert college recipient

Mitch Winter received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship the past three years to attend St. Norbert College.  He is pursuing a degree to become a Physicians Assistant.