The Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation announces that Malena Rover, a 2025 graduate of the University of Chicago Charter: Woodlawn Campus, as one of its 2025 scholarship recipients. Calhoun is attending Arrupe College of Loyola University this fall, where she is majoring in biology.
Her career goal is to become an allergist, advancing research and treatment for Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria and ensuring greater representation and care for underserved communities.
“To be Black, to be a woman, and to be Catholic are all powerful identities,” Rover shared. “For Sister Thea Bowman, the fusion of her faith, heritage, and womanhood was not a source of division but a testament to her full humanity. Like Sister Thea, I will continue to push through boundaries and help others, especially those who, like me, face invisible struggles.”
“Malena embodies the spirit of Sister Thea Bowman through her leadership, determination, and commitment to service,” said Joe Barker II, executive director of the Foundation. “Her passion for understanding others and applying that knowledge to advocate for others is exactly what Sister Thea would have encouraged. We are proud to support Malena as she embarks on this important educational journey toward making a meaningful difference in the world.”
Throughout high school, Rover was an active and dedicated student leader. As co-captain of the Lady Warriors Volleyball team, Rover demonstrated her commitment to discipline, teamwork, and leadership. She also founded and serves as president of the Ensure Healthcare Club, where she organized educational visits from prominent institutions such as Argonne Laboratory and the University of Chicago. This club allowed Rover to explore the medical field while sharing insights into various healthcare professions with her peers.
Rover’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including serving as Junior Class Vice President for Student Government, volunteering for STEMambassadors (Digital Youth Divas), and working with Lions Pride Mentoring, where she helps younger students navigate personal and academic challenges. Her commitment to community is also reflected in her work with the Hyde Park-Kenwood Food Pantry, where she participated in distributing food to more than 11,000 people in need.