Diego Benites ’25, a history and American studies major from Tyngsboro, Mass., has been selected as the Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., Scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The award is presented annually to an incoming senior, and provides a full tuition scholarship for the student’s final year at Saint Anselm College. Holmes Scholars show concern for and work to provide assistance to others, demonstrate leadership potential, and actively participate in the life of the college.
“Frankly, I was pretty shocked to be even nominated for this scholarship. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that made school really difficult for me,” shared Benites. “I couldn't write until I was in high school; I couldn't read until I was in middle school; and I couldn't speak until I was seven years old. When I was young, my parents were told by numerous people to set their expectations low. Thankfully, my parents chose to ignore their advice and pushed me to be the best that I could be. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them.”
Benites is about to begin his second term as the vice president for the Student Government Association, and has been part of group since his freshman year. He is a resident assistant, works for the History department, and a member of the Honors Program Council. He’s also strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is one of his favorite parts of being a campus leader.
“Diego is a curious scholar who loves books, research, and of course, history. He constantly seeks new opportunities to expand his knowledge, and then uses it to better understand people and situations. Не loves learning for its own sake, not just for the grades on his transcript,” shared Karen Boivin, the faculty assistant for the Honors Program. “Humble, honest, reliable, hard-working, thoughtful, resilient; these are all words that immediately come to mind when I think of Diego. He strives to always do his best, and places great value on education, service and community.”
Over the summer Benites served as a resident assistant and researched the creation of Lowell National Historical Park and how the Park's origins impact its current interpretation of history through an Honors program summer research fellowship.
Dr. Favazza and Chancellor Abbot Isaac Murphy, O.S.B., presented Benites with a certificate in recognition of his award during the college's opening Mass on August 26, 2024 in the Abbey Church. The scholarship was established through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Davison, in memory of Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., former president of the college.