The Shannon E. Collins Foundation (SECF) is proud to announce Julieta Dominguez and Natalia Dominguez as the recipients of the 2026–2027 scholarships. Each recipient was awarded $5,000 toward tuition for the 2026–2027 school year.
Continuing Shannon’s Legacy
The Shannon E. Collins Foundation was created in honor of our colleague and friend, Shannon Collins, whose courage, strength and determination continue to inspire the BL Duke family.
The foundation carries on Shannon’s passion for giving back by helping members of the BL Duke family pursue their educational goals. Over the past five years, the SECF has awarded $80,000 in scholarships in Shannon’s name.
The SECF Board of Directors continues to be inspired by the students who apply each year and is grateful for the opportunity to support their educational journeys.
Seven years ago, our colleague and friend Shannon Collins lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer. Her courage, strength, and resiliency during her 5-year journey was an inspiration to everyone around her. To honor her, the SECF was formed. The goal of the foundation is to keep Shannon’s legacy alive in our metals community and within the BL Duke family.
“Shannon’s impact on so many lives cannot be overstated. While there are many facets of her character that I could speak to, I want to focus on three qualities that particularly stood out to me: her work ethic, her unyielding fight, and her extraordinary drive—traits that are at the heart of the scholarship you are receiving today,” said Kaylee Foley at the event.
2026-2027 SECF Winners
The committee members were impressed with every application received, and it was a challenging task choosing just two winners. Congratulations to all the applicants on their educational success.
“Thank you for letting us get to know a little about you,” says Kaitlyn Evoy. “We sincerely hope all applicants choose to apply again in the future and wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
Julieta Dominguez, a returning SECF scholarship recipient, is attending Loyola University Chicago, while Natalia Dominguez is attending Northwestern University. Congratulations to Julieta and Natalia on their accomplishments and continued commitment to their education!
Looking Ahead to 2027–2028
Applications for the 2027–2028 Shannon E. Collins Foundation Scholarship will open in June 2027.
Additional application details, eligibility information and requirements will be shared as the application period approaches.
To learn more about eligibility for this scholarship, click here.
Expanded Scholarship Eligibility
Beginning with the 2027–2028 scholarship year, eligibility for the Shannon E. Collins Foundation Scholarship will expand to include spouses of full-time BL Duke employees.
Applicants may be full-time BL Duke employees themselves or have a spouse, parent, stepparent or grandparent who is a full-time BL Duke employee. Previous applicants and scholarship recipients are welcome and encouraged to apply again.
The Shannon E. Collins Foundation was created to keep Shannon’s light shining within BL Duke by helping BL Duke families with the costs associated with private high school, trade school or a four-year university. The idea of giving back to BL Duke employees was originally Shannon’s own—something she often spoke about and hoped to make a reality. Little did anyone know that her vision would later become a foundation created in her honor.
Through each scholarship awarded, the SECF is proud to carry Shannon’s vision forward and continue her legacy of supporting the BL Duke family. We congratulate Julieta and Natalia and wish them continued success in the upcoming school year
Let’s Connect
We’ll work hard to earn your business — and even harder to keep it.