August 31, 2015
Freshmen at La Roche College Receive National Science Foundation Scholarships
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 31, 2015 – La Roche University recently welcomed the first group of scholarship recipients to its National Science Foundation (NSF) CheM Scholar Program.
The program, which was developed in 2014 after La Roche received a $607,000 grant from the NSF, provides scholarships of up to $10,000 annually to academically talented undergraduates who demonstrate financial need. The program will provide a total of 14 scholarships to five chemistry majors and two mathematics majors in the incoming fall 2015 and 2016 freshman classes.
The following students are the 2015 recipients of the NSF scholarship at La Roche:
Amanda Bodner of Finleyville, Pa. (Hillcrest Christian Academy)
Major: Biochemistry
Parents: Todd and Wendy Bodner
Alyssa Chehovits of McMurray, Pa. (Peters Township High School)
Major: Mathematics
Parents: Liz and Pat Bertsch
Miranda Lasher of Ford City, Pa. (Ford City High School)
Major: Mathematics
Parents: Bradley and Dawn Lasher
Breanna Marvin of Albion, Pa. (Conneaut Area Senior High School)
Major: Biochemistry
Parents: Dan and Carleen Marvin
Megan Mason of Conneaut, Pa. (Conneaut Area Senior High School)
Major: Biochemistry and Health Science
Parents: Randy and Denise Mason
Jessica Witzleb of Shaler, Pa. (Shaler Area High School)
Major: Environmental Chemistry
Parent: James Witzleb
Chemistry Department Chair Don Fujito, Ph.D., said, “All six of our NSF scholarship recipients certainly excelled in mathematics and chemistry in high school, but these students not only demonstrated promise of excelling their chosen majors – they also had diversified, well-rounded interests.”
CheM Scholars have the opportunity to design novel, hands-on learning kits through La Roche’s ChemSOLVE (Chemistry Student-Operated Laboratory Venture) and receive one-on-one mentoring by award-winning faculty, alumni and professionals in the field.
The NSF based its decision to award the grant on two unique aspects of La Roche’s proposal: the fact that the school’s program focused on both chemistry and mathematics, recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of the two disciplines; and the team-based approach used in educating chemistry and math majors throughout the year in the undergraduate curriculum. La Roche was one of 95 recipients out of approximately 375 proposals submitted nationally in the 2014 funding cycle.
To apply for an NSF scholarship, prospective students must apply for admission to La Roche and complete a financial aid form. The University will invite accepted students who meet the eligibility criteria to apply to become an NSF CheM Scholar. For more information, contact the Freshman Admissions office at 412-536-1272 or admissions@laroche.edu.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate and five graduate degree programs, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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