TACOMA, Wash. – The University of Puget Sound is proud to announce Lina McDonald of Bend, Oregon, and Grace Shirley of Castle Rock, Colorado, as the recipients of the Lillis Scholarship, one of the university’s most distinguished honors for incoming students in the class of 2028.
The Lillis Scholarship, generously funded by Gwendolyn H. Lillis P’05 and Charles M. Lillis P’05 through The Lillis Foundation, recognizes academic excellence, intellectual independence, and a commitment to pursuing excellence throughout a student's educational journey. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years at Puget Sound.
Lina McDonald ’28 (She/Her) | Bend, OR
Lina McDonald ’28 was born in Hawai`i but holds dual citizenship in the United States and Germany. She is a graduate of Summit High School, where she excelled academically.
McDonald has demonstrated leadership and well-roundedness through her involvement in various activities. She served as the co-captain of the Mock Trial Team, honed her communication skills as editor-in-chief of the school’s online publication, Obsidian Digital, and showcased her athleticism by playing varsity water polo. She gained valuable leadership experience working as a summer camp counselor, fostering a passion for working with students.
McDonald says she would like to pursue a career in medicine, where she hopes to combine her interest in healthcare with a passion for advocating for kids and the LGBTQIA+ community. Puget Sound offers the perfect environment for her to pursue her academic goals while continuing her leadership journey and furthering her commitment to social justice.
Grace Shirley ’28 (She/Her) | Castle Rock, CO
Grace Shirley ’28 hails from Castle Rock, Colorado, and graduated from Colorado Early College. She is a violinist with a passion for music which is evident through her participation in the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Shirley is a dedicated student who impressed her teachers with her intellectual curiosity. One of her instructors described her as “one of the most intelligent students I have ever taught.” Shirley’s academic focus leans toward biology and math, but her interests extend beyond the classroom. She attributes a field biology course at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to solidifying her passion for natural science.
She plans to be actively involved in the Puget Sound Orchestra and explore her fascination with the natural world by joining the Beekeeping Club. Puget Sound provides the ideal platform for Shirley to flourish academically, explore her musical talents, and delve deeper into the wonders of the natural world.
About the Lillis Scholars Program
The Lillis Scholars Program, established in 2007, is a testament to the generosity of Gwendolyn and Charles Lillis, who value academic excellence and intellectual independence. Gwen Lillis is chair of The Lillis Foundation and a trustee of Puget Sound, while Charles Lillis was a former chair and chief executive of MediaOne Group and a founding partner of LoneTree Capital Management. The Lillises are the parents of Puget Sound alumna Jessica Baker Isaacs ’05. Each year, two Lillis Scholars are selected from the incoming first-year class.
For information about eligibility for the Lillis Scholars Program, please contact the Office of Admission at 253.879.3211 or visit www.pugetsound.edu.
