When Kate Schreel ’25 learned that she had been selected as a recipient of the Linda and Theo Majka Social Justice Scholarship, she felt more than gratitude — she felt seen and empowered.
“They could have picked anybody, and they picked me. It feels like they believe in me and what I believe in,” said Schreel, who graduated in May magna cum laude with a double major in sociology and premedicine. She immediately began the physician assistant program at Kettering College in Dayton.
The scholarship was created by Theo after Linda died in 2014, and Theo’s name was added to the scholarship after he retired in 2024. The Majka’s scholarships — they established two — are awarded annually to students majoring or minoring in sociology or human rights studies. Between the two professors, they taught, mentored and inspired Flyers for more than 70 years, and had already created a legacy through their work. And their legacy will live on.
“The Majkas were able to make an easy and incredibly powerful impact. That’s the power of planned giving,” said Matt Borden, J.D., executive director and team lead for planned giving. “The Majka’s decision to include UD in their plans ensures that students at UD will continue to be inspired and learn from their example for as long as UD stands."
Borden said that the University received a third gift from the Majkas in July 2025. He explained that this latest gift, like the first two, comes from a designation in Theo’s retirement account. The additional gift will provide general support to the Human Rights Center at UD.
For Schreel, the impact is impressive. “I can’t personally imagine being in that position — it just feels so powerful in a way. I can’t imagine having that power and changing a student’s life,” she said.
It was life-changing for her: the Majkas’ scholarship meant more than financial relief. It presented opportunities to spend less time working to pay for school and more time cultivating experiences for her future. She participated in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, Co-Pilots, and volunteered at a free clinic in downtown Dayton and at Miami Valley Hospital, deepening her commitment to service and social justice.
“I worked a lot of hours to be able to pay for school, but the scholarship allowed me to turn toward community service and spend my time volunteering,” said Schreel. “I was able to volunteer at Miami Valley Hospital a lot, and I don’t think I would have been able to spend so many hours there if I hadn’t received the scholarship.”
“It felt really rewarding compared to other scholarships I received because it felt like what I was trying to do in society was being recognized,” said Schreel. “I think that was a bigger impact than the financial aspect.”
Her journey and sense of belonging were directly impacted by the vision and generosity of the Majkas.
Through their planned gifts, the Majkas have extended their powerful ripple effect forever: empowering students like Schreel to pursue their passions, serve their communities and carry forward the Flyer legacy of justice and compassion.