Mission, Texas, Student Awarded $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship to College of Saint Mary
College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Ritzy Dominguez of Mission, Texas, as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Dominguez was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000 on Friday, April 21. Dominguez receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.
“Now that Ritzy is on the brink of graduation, our high school community is anxious to see what a great role model and professional she will become,” said Noe Gamez, mathematics dual enrollment instructor at Sharyland Pioneer High School. “It has been an honor teaching such a great young lady. I am looking forward in seeing her become a great mathematician.”
College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, which is funded in part by the National Science Foundation, provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding young women pursuing study in STEM majors, such as biology, chemistry, human biology or math.
Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 annually for four years in gift aid. In addition to having access to substantial financial resources and facilities, participants also receive free tutoring, have opportunities for undergraduate research, and have access to top programs like the National Institute of Health and NASA research fellowships. Marie Curie Scholars also often attend and present at national conferences.
Dominguez, the daughter of Doug and Ritzy Rollman, earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Sharyland Pioneer High School. Some of Dominguez’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:
- Completed academic UIL events in natural science
- Varsity golf team member for three years
- A member of the Folkloric Dance team
- Inducted into National Honor Society
- Perfect attendance in 2019, 2020 and 2022
At CSM, Dominguez plans to major in math. She also plans to play golf for the Flames. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, CSM uses initiatives like the Marie Curie Scholar Program to provide women from all backgrounds with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework and lifelong leadership skills. Dominguez is one of seven recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarships.