# TMU's Ostertag expands Bishop Foys Scholars Program **Published:** 2026-08-23T04:45:45.000Z **Source:** [NKY Tribune](https://nkytribune.com/2026/08/tmus-josh-ostertag-helps-students-discover-purpose-through-bishop-foys-scholars-program/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/tmu-s-ostertag-expands-bishop-foys-scholars-program [According to reporting](https://nkytribune.com/2026/08/tmus-josh-ostertag-helps-students-discover-purpose-through-bishop-foys-scholars-program/) from the NKyTribune, Josh Ostertag, director of the Bishop Foys Scholars Program and assistant campus minister at [Thomas More University](https://www.thomasmore.edu/) in Crestview Hills, is launching enhanced initiatives this academic year aimed at helping students discover their purpose and strengthen their faith. Ostertag, who earned his bachelor's degree in theology from Thomas More in 2020 and his master's degree from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in 2021, said he was recruited back to campus by Theology Department Chair Caitlin Dwyer. He credits his success to the relationships he built as an undergraduate student. "Some advice I would tell students is don't be afraid to keep connections, as when students do reach out, faculty will do anything to help you," Ostertag said in an interview with the NKyTribune. [The Bishop Roger J. Foys Ministry and Service Scholarship](https://www.thomasmore.edu/bishop-roger-j-foys-ministry-and-service-scholarship/) program, which [was launched to attract engaged Catholic students and bolster the campus ministry program](https://nkytribune.com/2022/12/our-rich-history-the-cathoic-identity-of-a-diocesan-college-where-tmu-is-and-where-its-going/), has grown significantly. In 2024, the program saw a 50 percent increase in new student participation, welcoming 45 new scholars compared to the prior year. Current program requirements include completing at least 10 service hours each semester and attending monthly formation meetings. Ostertag plans to expand these offerings by adding weekly discussion meetings focused on faith formation and discipleship, while also increasing mentorship opportunities for both prospective and current students. "This year we want to have a more structured on-campus day for applicants. Then, once students get to campus, we will pair students with mentors," Ostertag said. Ostertag emphasized that the program welcomes all students, regardless of their current faith engagement. "The current student experience: find a friend and see those fruits grow," he said, encouraging broader campus involvement. He advised prospective students to engage with campus clubs, activities, and ministry opportunities. For more information about the Bishop Foys Scholars Program, interested students can contact Ostertag at [ostertagj@thomasmore.edu](mailto:ostertagj@thomasmore.edu). ## Sources - [NKY Tribune](https://nkytribune.com/2026/08/tmus-josh-ostertag-helps-students-discover-purpose-through-bishop-foys-scholars-program/) - [Thomas More University official website](https://www.thomasmore.edu/) - [Bishop Roger J. Foys Ministry and Service Scholarship information](https://www.thomasmore.edu/bishop-roger-j-foys-ministry-and-service-scholarship/) - [NKyTribune article on TMU's Catholic identity and program history](https://nkytribune.com/2022/12/our-rich-history-the-cathoic-identity-of-a-diocesan-college-where-tmu-is-and-where-its-going/) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from NKY Tribune, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://nkytribune.com/2026/08/tmus-josh-ostertag-helps-students-discover-purpose-through-bishop-foys-scholars-program/.