This year, the Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund commemorates its 5th anniversary, reaching a significant milestone in support to students at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
Standish, Maine –The Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, marking a remarkable milestone in its mission to support students at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC). To honor Ryan’s legacy, the Ryan Rogers Memorial Golf Tournament has become a key fundraising event for the scholarship.
This year’s tournament, set for June 18 at Poland Spring Resort, highlights the ongoing generosity and impact of the Rogers family. Hosted by Ryan’s parents, Chris and Nova Rogers, along with his siblings Aaron, Justin, and Kaitlin, the event brings together family, friends, and supporters from every chapter of Ryan’s life to celebrate his memory and the enduring difference he continues to make.
The Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund at St. Joseph’s College of Maine
In the spring of 2021, the Saint Joseph’s College community suffered a profound loss when Ryan Rogers passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Ryan was an integral part of SJC—serving as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team, pursuing his Master’s in Business Leadership, and working in the admissions office. In July of that same year, the Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund was established to honor his indomitable spirit, his deep commitment to others, and the positive change he inspired in everyone he met during his 3½ years at the College.
The fund was created to support students in good standing who are facing pressing financial needs, while also promoting diversity within the student body and encouraging a strong sense of community service and volunteerism among recipients. In response to Ryan’s passing, his parents, Chris and Nova Rogers, proposed the creation of a memorial golf tournament—an event that not only honors Ryan’s memory but has grown into a meaningful philanthropic initiative that fuels the scholarship and ensures that his legacy lives on, continuing to impact generations of students at Saint Joseph’s College.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Chris and Nova Rogers, lifelong residents of Maine, have lived their lives and raised their children firmly committed to their faith, family, friends, and community. Between them, they have given their time, talent, and resources to a wide variety of charitable and community causes. While Nova still volunteers at Maine Medical Center and is a member of The Women’s Board there, Chris took a leave from two boards he was serving on at the time of Ryan’s passing to devote his philanthropic time and energy to preserving Ry’s legacy.
A Phenomenal Impact
The golf tournament serves as the primary fundraising mechanism for The Samaritan Fund, and has been sold out since inception. With the help of an additional $70,000 in grants from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation, as well as numerous private donations, a staggering $370,000 has been raised in just over 3 1/2 years. The tournament in June will easily eclipse $400,000 raised in less than four years. To date, over 40 scholarship grants have been awarded by Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund. Funds go directly towards supporting students at Saint Joseph’s College who demonstrate academic promise but face financial hurdles that might otherwise prevent them from pursuing a higher education.
“We never want money to be a barrier for students,” said Chris Rogers. “We want to ensure that young people with the drive and passion to succeed have the resources they need to reach their full potential.”
The Rogers family has remained closely involved with the scholarship recipients, meeting with them on campus and offering encouragement and guidance. Chris and Nova's involvement is deeply personal, as they continue to work with Shanna Webster, the Associate Dean, Academic Success and Retention at Saint Joseph’s College, to ensure the scholarship fund is used to its fullest potential.
A Strong Commitment to Saint Joseph’s College
Chris and Nova’s commitment to Saint Joseph’s College is unwavering. With Ryan’s spirit very much alive at the college, they see supporting SJC as the best way to honor Ryan’s incredible legacy there. And with their daughter Katie wrapping up her college experience this spring at Saint Joseph’s College; it feels like a perfect full circle from Ryan (their oldest of four) to Katie (the youngest).
When COVID cast its devastating impact on colleges across the country, SJC was not invulnerable to that. The Rogers Family recognized how important it was for them and for Ryan’s legacy to ensure that Saint Joseph’s College survives and thrives. They also quickly realized that Ryan’s passing left a profound void not only for his family, but for the entire Saint Joseph’s College community. That bond is part of the fuel that drives their steadfast commitment to support the special community that is St. Joseph’s College of Maine.
The Rogers family has remained closely involved with the scholarship recipients, meeting with them on campus and offering encouragement and guidance. Chris and Nova's involvement is deeply personal, as they continue to work with Shanna Webster, the Associate Dean, Academic Success and Retention at Saint Joseph’s College, to ensure the scholarship fund is used to its fullest potential.
An Invitation for Community Support
As the Ryan Rodgers Memorial Golf Tournament celebrates its fifth year, Chris and Nova invite others to join them in supporting the Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund. “Your contributions make a real difference,” said Nova Rogers. “By supporting this fund, you’re not just honoring Ryan’s memory, but you’re helping a student who will directly benefit from this scholarship right away, some of whom might not otherwise be in a position to complete their education.”
The funds raised through the golf tournament and other donations directly support students at Saint Joseph’s College, ensuring that they have access to a college education regardless of their financial situation. The Rogers family believes that financial constraints should never be an obstacle to higher education, and they remain committed to ensuring that students from all walks of life have the opportunity to succeed.
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About the Ryan Rodgers Samaritan Scholarship Fund
The Ryan Rogers Samaritan Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students at Saint Joseph’s College, with a focus on supporting those who demonstrate academic achievement but need financial support to complete their education. The scholarship fund was established in 2021 following the tragic death of Ryan Rogers, an integral member of the SJC community, and has raised over $370,000 in its first 2.5 years.
For more information about the Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund or to make a donation, please visit Ryan Rogers Samaritan Fund.
