The Power of Commuting
How the Impacting Lives Commuter Scholarship fuels one Xavier senior’s drive to experience college to the fullest
For three years, the Impacting Lives Commuter Scholarship has supported local Xavier University students living off campus. Designed to ease the daily burdens they face, the award helps high-achieving recipients embrace the quiet power of commuting.
Composed of about 360 students across all four undergraduate classes, today's Xavier commuters form their own niche on campus. With the largest incoming commuter class in Xavier history, the number of students making the 'day hop' to campus is greater than ever.
Yet despite their growing presence, the unique hurdles of off-campus life haven’t changed. They juggle heavy academic schedules, campus involvement, outside responsibilities, and work — all while factoring in daily drive times.
Tailored to this kind of Xavier student, the Impacting Lives Commuter Scholarship addresses the specific needs of off-campus students. Aligned with its name, the award recognizes third- and fourth-year students across Xavier’s four undergraduate colleges who impact others through leadership, community, and work ethic.
It awards up to $10,000 to 10 students each year and intentionally sets a realistic 2.75 minimum GPA to account for the extra commitments off-campus students carry. In fact, balancing outside responsibilities like work and service is an explicit requirement for the award.
Kyra Sander
Kyra Sander
One recipient, senior Kyra Sander, fits the bill perfectly. A double major in Business and Musical Theatre, she complements her coursework with an extensive list of jobs and campus commitments, squeezing every last drop out of her college experience. When choosing a school, Sander knew she wanted to stay in the Cincinnati area. Xavier caught her eye with its business program, and her choice was solidified when she realized she could also pursue her passion for theatre.
"I’ve been doing theater since I was a kid and I just loved it so much and I was really not wanting to let it go," said Sander. "Once I got into the theater program, I realized I could actually fulfill both of my dreams of business and theater. So Xavier seemed like the best choice.”
Sander is a performer both on and off stage. Her typical day involves constant motion, but she carves out time to lean into her creative side. On campus, she works as the engagement manager for Student-Made Xavier through the Center for Innovation, performs in Xavier Theatre productions, and works backstage crew when not on stage.
Sander performing in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" through Xavier Theatre.
Sander performing in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" through Xavier Theatre.
Outside of her arts focus, she serves as Vice President of Net Impact Xavier, works as a day-of wedding coordinator, and interns at apparel company Ripple Junction to sharpen her practical business skills.
During the semester, Sander's car functions as a mobile dorm room. Every morning, she packs a bag with an extra change of clothes, snacks, a Tide pen, and project supplies, routinely bringing her meals, makeup, and dress rehearsal wardrobe to campus for the day.
Sander works as a wedding coordinator on the weekends.
Sander works as a wedding coordinator on the weekends.
As someone who prefers to stay busy, Sander appreciates the relief from financial pressure the scholarship has afforded her.
“I still do work a lot, but the anxiety is a bit less for me. Having just the extra cushion to pay for gas and things is helpful,” said Sander.
In line with the award’s emphasis on service, Sander gives back through Xavier Theatre’s March Gladness campaign. Last year, she helped lead a social media and fundraising effort that raised $22,000 in just 48 hours for the department.
Sander and her team raised money for Xavier Theatre’s March Gladness campaign.
Sander and her team raised money for Xavier Theatre’s March Gladness campaign.
The major benefactor of the award is a Xavier alumnus, who "walked the walk" as a commuter student himself. Choosing anonymity over his own recognition, he titled the program 'Impacting Lives' to keep it open and inviting to future donors. Today, his own support extends past funding. Along with direct mentorship and group sessions, he connects recipients with professionals in his network whose career paths embody the students' own ambitions.
For Sander, knowing an alumnus is actively invested in her journey provides a lot of encouragement.
"There is a community they’ve made in this scholarship. Getting to meet and chat with the founder and hearing all these words of wisdom he has to offer makes me feel like there’s more of a purpose and intent to what I do."
Sander admitted that driving home late after a 10:30 p.m. rehearsal can be tough, but she stays focused on making every hour count.
"Most people don't work real hard at getting out of their comfort zone. But when you do, all kinds of things happen," the founder explained. "Students often say they wish they could do more or that they don't have time to get involved. I counter that by talking about the power of commuting. It gives them real-world tools for the road of life."
Sander relies on that same perspective, treating her daily drive as an advantage rather than an obstacle.
"I'm trying to think bigger picture in four years. I'm not going to regret any of my choices," Sander said.
Sander encourages fellow commuters to lean into campus life fully despite logistical challenges they may have.
"I’d tell commuter students to get involved as much as you can," she said. "You really only have four years or however long it takes for you to graduate to be exposed to this many activities, clubs, classes. Be involved. Be engaged. Make connections. Just because you’re a commuter doesn’t mean you can’t be as involved."
Xavier provides dedicated spaces and programs to support off-campus students as well. Sander used the Commuter Student Lounge her freshman year to settle in before getting fully involved, and participated in Office of Student Involvement events to build connections.
"I don’t think living in a dorm necessarily means you get the college experience. I think it’s what you do in your free time," said Sander. "Find what you’re passionate about. The spaces are there if you need it. The people are there if you need it."
Post-graduation, Sander aims to establish a career in arts administration, taking advantage of Cincinnati's rich cultural arts scene after gaining firsthand experience interning at Ensemble Theatre.
The broader vision for the Impacting Lives Scholarship is to build a growing network of commuter alumni who understand the demands of off-campus life. By highlighting stories of former commuters who built successful careers, the program aims to inspire current students to realize what is possible in their own lives.
The Impacting Lives Scholarship Information & Application Details
Applications for the Impacting Lives Commuter Scholarship open annually for eligible Xavier University undergraduate students.
Eligibility: Open to local third- and fourth-year commuting students across Xavier’s 4 colleges who maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate active campus leadership, community involvement, and work ethic.
Award: Up to $10,000 awarded to ten students each year. Note that the award is tuition-restricted; students receiving Tuition Exchange, FACHEX, Tuition Remission, or full tuition coverage may be ineligible for additional funding.
Applications for the 2027-2028 scholarship will open in early February and close after Spring Break in March. Please check Xavier's commuter services website for information on this special scholarship.
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