Published on May 14, 2025

Madison Clark Grace Hackworth Abby Schaben Lily J. Franck

Four University of Missouri students recently received the Hesburgh Scholarship for their accomplishments in Mizzou’s general education program. The award is named after Father Theodore Hesburgh, the former president of Notre Dame University, in recognition of his commitment to liberal arts education. Given to one undergraduate student from each class, the scholarship underscores the vital role of general education courses, which ensure that graduates leave Mizzou not only ready to excel in their respective fields but also with a rich, well-rounded foundation of knowledge.

Recipients, who were announced during the spring semester, are:

• Madison Clark, a freshman mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Wentzville, MO
• Grace Hackworth, a sophomore health sciences pre-medicine major from Fort Worth, Texas
• Abby Schaben, a junior science in nursing-clinical BSN major from Columbia, Missouri
• Lily J. Franck, a senior strategic communication and digital storytelling major from St. Louis, Missouri

Four undergraduate students were honored with the prestigious Hesburgh Scholarship during a ceremony on Thursday, May 8, in the Jesse Hall rotunda. 

The Hesburgh Endowment Fund enables MU’s General Education Program to award four $1000 academic achievement scholarships each spring to one student from each of the four undergraduate classes. This is the first year Hesburgh endowment has been able to award $1200 instead of $1000. 

“The Hesburgh Award recognizes students who embrace interdisciplinary studies in their work.” Dr. Spain welcomed recipients and their mentors. 

Dr. David Schenker is the chair of the Hesburgh Scholarship Award committee. He talked about how competitive the applicant pool was and congratulated students on their achievements.    

“As Hesburgh Award winners, you’re going to be ambassadors for General Education as you continue here at the University of Missouri.” Schenker said. 

Madison Clark is a freshman from Wentzville, Missouri studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering. She was awarded the Caruthers Family Giving Fund  

 and nominated by Dr. Matthew Frierdich in the Kinder Institute. 

In her nomination letter, Dr. Friedrich explained Clark “makes sure everyone’s voice is heard and that community is supported by thoughtful participation.” Additionally, he describes how “she takes up the challenges of gaining deeper understanding at every opportunity in her course work.” 

Clark is passionate about hands-on learning and being actively involved on campus. 

“One of the highlights of my college experience so far has been joining Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity that’s given me the opportunity to connect with others while giving back to the community,” She said. “I love being part of a variety of student organizations and strive to make the most of my time both inside and outside the classroom.” 

Grace Hackworth is a sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas studying Health Sciences on the Pre-Med track with minors in Biological Sciences and Women and Gender Studies. She is planning on attending medical school go become an Ob/Gyn. She was nominated by Dr. Thomas Kane from the Kinder Institute. 

In the nomination letter, Dr. Kane described her as “ethical, compassionate, measured, never talking to hear herself talk” as well as “jolly with a deadpan confidence.” 

She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma where she volunteers and helps to raise money for their philanthropies Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center and the Jed Foundation. Additionally, she is involved in undergraduate research with Dr. Ciro Amato at NextGen Precision Health and is a Family Resource Specialist with Tigers Connect for MU Pediatrics. 

She’s been fortunate to already gain many shadowing hours through the University Hospital and the new Women and Children’s Hospital. Next semester, she will begin training to become a CTA-C through the Sinclair School of Nursing and MU Health’s UAP Program for undergraduate students. 

Abigail “Abby” Schaben is a junior from Columbia studying Nursing. She was nominated by Dr. Jason Furrer in the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology department. 

Dr. Furrer explained how Schaben “puts in extra effort” with “exemplary, natural scholastic talents” and “never gives up.” 

She’s involved in American Legion Auxiliary Post 202, Mizzou’s Crochet Club, Student Nurses Association, and National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars (MSCS). Schaben also works as a nursing assistant at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. 

Lily Frank is a senior from St. Louis studying Strategic Communication and minoring in Digital Storytelling. She was nominated by Lynn Kim from the School of Visual Studies. 

Kim described Frank as creative with a “diverse skill set in conceptual knowledge as well as technical knowledge” and a self-starting attitude who “receives feedback and never gives up.” 

She’s gained a deep passion for audiovisual communication during her time at Mizzou, and she is deeply grateful for the opportunities the University has given her. Lily spent months refining a stop-motion assignment with mentors in the Digital Storytelling school, with the culminating product, “Hope Chest,” screening in the 2025 True/False Film Festival. 

In Fall 2024, Lily served as a video producer for MOJO AD, collaborating on a campaign for NASA Artemis that won five student ADDY Awards from The American Advertising Federation. Lily also expanded her perspectives beyond Columbia, spending a summer in New Delhi through MU Journalism Abroad. 

Outside of her studies, Lily immersed herself in student radio at KCOU 88.1 FM Columbia, where she served as a Music Director for 2 years. Her dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities earned her the Mizzou ’39 award, which honors 39 outstanding seniors for their scholarship, leadership, and service.  

After graduation, she plans to travel to Alaska and hopefully grad school for documentary filmmaking. 

To close the ceremony, Dr. Spain thanks family members of the recipients. “I hope you get a sense of how committed we are to your students’ success. Having faculty here to celebrate your students speaks to the kind of Mizzou experience students can have if they choose to.”   

Explore these scholarships and learn about past years’ recipients at https://generaleducation.missouri.edu/hesburgh/