2006 Jeffrey W. Baus ’59 Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Nicholas F. Manolelis grew up in California, first in the Bay Area and then in Laguna Niguel. Spending a majority of his time with his immediate family at a young age, Nicholas developed a strong understanding of the importance of family and the relationships that they share. Nicholas was blessed with the responsibility of becoming a big brother on two separate occasions and looks at his younger siblings as his best friends and an inspiration to succeed and act as a positive role model. Nicholas developed a passion for sport at an early age, which suited his competitive nature and determination to succeed. He ran cross country, played club soccer, and was a pole vaulter while in high school. He was also involved in numerous extracurricular activities, filling leadership positions in student government, performing in air guitar talent shows, acting as lead council on the mock trial team, and working on community service projects. Nicholas graduated as class valedictorian in 2003 but, more importantly, left high school a familiar and dependable friend loved by many. Nicholas is now entering his final year at UCLA as an Economics major and a Minor in Accounting. He has continued to maintain a high level of involvement on campus as well as at church and in the community. An experienced world traveler, Nicholas awaits the next chapter n his life when he looks to combine the life experiences of college with that of his travels as he attempts to take on the world.

Future Plans: After graduation, Nicholas looks forward to taking time to live abroad in Greece with his family. He will use this opportunity to pursue further European travel and to become fluent in Greek. He will then return to the States to attain his CPA while working in audit for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He then plans to return for an MBA or JD and to focus on entrepreneurship. In the long term, Nicholas hopes to accomplish a level of personal and financial success that allows him to live a comfortable life, surrounded by those he loves. He dreams of one day owning several pieces of real estate, including a hotel and nightclub in Greece, and a vineyard.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The Jeffrey W. Baus ’59 Scholarship will help cover my educational and living expenses. I am extremely honored and grateful for this award.