Applications for the Marguerite Ritzinger Scholarship of the Diocese of Davenport are being accepted now through Feb. 1, 2016. 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 attending 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 57 applications for the 2014-15 school year and awarded 10 scholarships.
“Ms. Ritzinger was very generous in leaving a gift that could help Catholic students with the cost of their college education. Over 100 students have received a total of more than $100,000 in the past six years. It is very rewarding to see the resumes of the student applicants who have taken on a leadership role and added to the quality of life in our communities.”
Nontraditional students may apply for the scholarships as well, she noted.
The scholarships are not automatically renewed each year.
Applications must include an essay, copy of a high school or college transcript and two reference letters — all sent together along with the application form. Forms are available on the diocesan website at www.davenportdiocese.org/finance/finlibrary.htm.
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