First recipient of the Al Carius and Frank Gramarosso Endowed Scholarship

The Al Carius and Frank Gramarosso Endowed Scholarship was established by alumni and friends of North Central College in honor of the two iconic coaches, mentors and teachers. Together, Carius and Gramarosso were the architects of the College’s nationally renowned cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field programs. 
 
The scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate or graduate students who are looking for careers in primary, secondary or higher education, coaching, or health and wellness.  

Paige Runkle ’25, a sport management major from Mount Prospect, Ill., was recently named the first recipient of the scholarship. 

“I have been a lifelong athlete, and have been running for over 10 years,” Runkle said. “Al and Grammy have been huge figures in the running community, and being able to be recognized for an award that emphasizes what they are about means the world to me.”  

The scholarship is intended to support the holistic well-being of the student. The financial assistance it provides will enable Runkle during her senior year to continue focusing on her future goals. She will intern with Hi Five Sports Club and will gain event planning experience by working for North Central’s department of conference services and camps. She will also participate in several student organizations on campus, with a focus on sport management and advocacy and mental health for student-athletes. Runkle said she hopes to parlay her experience into a career in sports, ideally as a coach. 

“I’m excited and I know that Frank is excited that we’re able to do something to help someone pursue their lifelong journey and education,” said Carius. “And that’s what North Central College represents: The pursuit of education at its best—education of the mind, body and spirit. We hope the support of this scholarship enables Paige and future recipients to pursue those avenues, and to hopefully one day turn around and serve others, because I believe that's what we're put on this Earth to do." 

“Wanting to be a coach in the future and make a positive impact on young lives is something that drove me,” Runkle added. “Knowing that there are people out there who think I have the qualities to impact people like Al and Grammy have is an absolute honor.” 

For more information about the Al Carius and Frank Gramarosso Endowed Scholarship and to donate, go to northcentralcollege.edu/al-grammy-scholarship.