Applications for the Marguerite Ritzinger Scholarship of the Diocese of Davenport are being accepted now through Feb. 1. Any Catholic individual who plans to attend a college or university next fall may apply for a $1,000 scholarship.
The award is named for the late Marguerite Ritzinger, a Sigourney native, who left $388,770 to the diocese to help with scholarships for seminarians and students to attend colleges or universities.
The diocese launched an annual scholarship program in late 2009. Char Maaske, diocesan chief financial officer, said the committee that awards the scholarships received more than 150 applications for the 2012-13 school year and awarded 28 scholarships. At least one student from each deanery received a scholarship in 2012.
“I am so impressed going through the quality of students who apply for the scholarships,” Maaske said. “They are so involved in their church and communities, have good grades, are active in sports and organizations like 4-H, and many also work.” She said it’s difficult for the committee of five to choose from among the excellent applications. Non-traditional students may apply for the scholarships as well, Maaske noted.
The scholarships are not automatically renewed each year. Applications for next year’s scholarships will be due by Feb. 1.
Applications must include an essay, copy of a high school or college transcript and two reference letters all sent together.
Application forms are available on the diocesan website at www.davenport
diocese.org. Click on chancery, finance, library and then M. Ritzinger scholarship application.
