Need-Based Named Scholarship Program

Lisa Hable Urzen ’84 and Courtney Urzen ’15, together with Mark Urzen, have established this scholarship with the intent to pass on their love and gratitude for Nazareth Academy. Lisa and Courtney are thankful for having the opportunity to attend Nazareth and are excited to help someone experience all that Nazareth offers. 

Chris Albano (Class of '89) was one of those rare individuals who could bring people of all kinds together through the power of his personality and sense of humor. He modeled respect for teachers and peers alike and, through his example, gently encouraged others to do the same. Quick-witted, congenial and empathetic, Chris united others in the classroom, on the field and in student government. Later, as a teacher, he dedicated his life to making others better both directly and by example. The Class of ‘89 has established this scholarship in his memory.

John Dunbar Battistoni was a 2008 alum who passed away in 2012. John's family awards this scholarship in his memory to a student who exhibits many of his passions in the area of athletics and extra-curricular activities.

In 1989, Anne Marie was just beginning her sophomore year at Nazareth Academy when she passed away due to a serious illness. Anne Marie had a great influence on her classmates. She was truly a leader with a love for life. Her family has established this scholarship in her memory.

Jerry and Lucy Bergen were an amazing couple who greatly valued Catholic education. In their memory, this scholarship is awarded to a student who exhibits leadership in the area of service and whose family presents the need for financial aid. Special, but not exclusive, consideration is given to minority families.

For 16 consecutive years, at least one Bomher student was enrolled at Nazareth. Catholic, values-based education as well as an appreciation for outstanding academics were at the heart of their decision to send their children to Nazareth. The Bomher family established this scholarship based on their experience and involvement here and, most importantly, the experiences of their children. The Bomher family seeks to provide assistance to students and their families who are making a sacrifice to provide this same experience for their children.

Margaret (Marge) Elizabeth Brock was a person of great sensitivity, wisdom and humility. She never sought out "the limelight," yet had a remarkable impact on the lives of those who struggled for equality, justice and safety. Marge received a scholarship from Nazareth and this gift profoundly changed her life. This scholarship is established in her memory with hopes that the recipient grows in self-discovery, skills and humanity as she did in her own quiet and special way.

In memory of their dear classmate Patricia, the Class of ‘74 have created this scholarship to honor her legacy. The recipient should possess an interest and commitment to theatre, just as Pat did; not necessarily the main lead, but always supportive of those who were. The Class of ‘74 hopes that Pat’s laughter and joy while at Nazareth will fill the heart of this recipient during their high school years as well.

The Class of 1972 supports this scholarship to award a student who wishes to excel in our pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit & Unity.

The Conroy family wishes to provide assistance to students and their families who are making a 
sacrifice to send their children to Nazareth.

In memory of his parents, Bernard & Carol, Jim Deering has established this scholarship.  The student(s) must demonstrate the following qualifications: leadership, academic achievement, extracurricular participation & achievement, social involvement and responsibility. The recipient should also possess an unwavering core value of good conduct, discipline, pride, integrity and respect.

Dr. Mary Janowsky DePauw '66 established this scholarship for a female recipient that has an interest in pursuing a career in the fields of health, human services or education and strives to be a positive influence wherever she finds herself. Preference will be given to but not limited to a young woman who is Catholic and seeks to live her faith through her daily choices.

Rob Donat '87 has made a commitment to support students from the Broadview area (when applicable, from Lindop School or other Broadview schools) who have found success academically but would otherwise be unable to attend Nazareth without additional financial support.

Sandra Iannone established this scholarship to help students soar in the area of drama, especially those that are involved in crew. 

Nazareth alum, Anthony Frencl was a man of outstanding character who saw the best in all and encouraged others through word or deed. His family has established this scholarship in his memory to honor a student who exemplifies these same characteristics that are also personified by Eagle Scouts like Anthony.

Sandra Iannone established this scholarship to honor a Hispanic or Black student from the Berwyn/Cicero area who has a passion for social justice. The recipient should be involved in student leadership and be able to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

After a career spanning more than thirty years in the audio industry, Terry Gurney joined Nazareth Academy as a Theatre Director, where he found his greatest joy in mentoring and inspiring students. This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior student who is passionate about the performing arts, both on stage and behind the scenes. The recipient must exhibit dedication, creativity, and a commitment to the performing arts community.

Dr. Havelka '81 received her doctorate at the University of Oxford. She received numerous accolades and awards from the scientific community -- some never awarded to a woman and some that had not been awarded to an American for many years. Tragically, her career and life ended in 1994 when she and her fiancée suffered a fatal accident while mountain climbing in Switzerland. 

The Irish Fellowship Foundation Scholarship was established to help students in need of tuition assistance. The recipient should be of Irish descent with one or more grandparent or great grandparent born in Ireland.

Sister Donald James was a teacher, mentor, tutor and friend. Her love for math was evident during her teaching career at St. Joseph’s High School, Triton College and Nazareth Academy. The family of Sr. Donald established this scholarship to recognize her commitment to education and her desire to bring out the best in her students.

With the encouragement of his family and many friends, this memorial scholarship was established to remember a remarkable young man, his passion for Nazareth Academy, his generosity, his wonderful spirit, and his great smile. A 2008 graduate of Nazareth Academy, Philip Kaiser lived his short life to the fullest.

The Karstens Family Scholarship is awarded to a student whose family demonstrates financial need with special consideration given to families facing major medical expenses and/or families of color or those with a physically impaired student.

The Kickels Family Scholarship was established by sisters Dr. Mary Kay Kickels '54 and Dolores Kickels Curns '59. The scholarship intends to provide tuition assistance for a recipient who possesses a sincere interest in and talent for the Performing or Fine Arts.

The talents and gifts of Sr. Connie and Mary Callaghan have been shared with our school. We are thankful their family and friends have chosen to bestow Nazareth Academy with a scholarship that bears their name. This scholarship is awarded to a student who shows a commitment to Nazareth’s pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.

The Letcher Family established this scholarship in memory of their son and brother, Ryan. The recipient must exhibit a passion for English, especially in the areas of creative writing and reading. The recipient should model openness & acceptance of everyone in this world and be mindful of others who may face challenges with inclusivity. This scholarship gives preference to a student who has graduated from a Catholic grade school when possible. 

Mike Usher ‘90 was very kind, spirited and greatly admired by his classmates for his wonderful zest for life. Mike had the keen ability to make his fellow classmates always feel special in some way. A Light for Mike Scholarship is intended to offer the wonderful experience Mike had at Nazareth Academy to another future Roadrunner.

The recipient of the Loretta Ann Scholarship should demonstrate involvement in the Arts or Fine Arts.

The Julian Love Scholarship is awarded to a minority student who is grounded as well as well-rounded, kind and intelligent. Special consideration given to an "underdog" of sorts who is involved in extracurricular activities and possesses a commitment to school.

Brian Luczak was pursuing his passion at the Art Institute of Chicago when he passed away. His talent, uniqueness, and creativity were a part of his personality and these are the qualities that he will be remembered for through this scholarship. He was a true artist.

Ms. Macdonald recalls her Nazareth days as some of the best of her life, recognizing the best education, teachers and lessons in leadership, faith, values and friendship. She has established this scholarship for a sophomore, junior or senior who excels in leadership (must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher) and academic achievement.
 

The family of Joseph Mankiewicz started this scholarship to keep Joe's memory and legacy in full force.  The recipient must be involved in extracurricular activities while possessing characteristics of being family-oriented and extremely generous. Special consideration will also be given to a student who has experienced the loss of an immediate family member.

This scholarship is awarded to assist students who have a passion for music (preferably strings and/or chorale). Special consideration will be given to female students of color.

The family, who wishes to remain anonymous, established this scholarship as a thank you to Nazareth for the education provided to their children and grandchildren. The family values Catholic education at the grade school and high school levels, knowing it builds strong character and values while educating the whole person. Being involved in multiple extracurricular activities and service are traits they require of the scholarship recipient. Academics are also a priority, thus the scholarship recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

Sr. "Freddie's" association with Nazareth Academy started when she enrolled as a freshman in 1942 and she never looked back. Her gifts and talents have been too numerous to name. Her passion was service and of course, her loyalty to Nazareth's athletics was quite evident as she cheered on the Roadrunners. The recipient should possess this same passion and loyalty.

Christine Moran was a faithful Roadrunner fan who could be found at decades of football games as well as anything else her children and grandchildren took part in. She dedicated her life to the nursing profession, taking care of others. This scholarship recipient must excel in math or science and plan to pursue a career in the medical field. In addition, and most importantly, they should embody the desire to give back and help those in need.

Dennis Moran has dedicated more than forty years to working for the Sisters of St. Joseph and Nazareth Academy. In his years of service, he has held many roles and has been part of the Nazareth Academy Administration for more than twenty-five years. This scholarship was established to aid a student who has a strong work ethic, serves others in the community, values education, embraces teamwork and is involved in extracurricular activities.   

This scholarship was established in memory of Mary Lou O'Gorman. This scholarship will provide tuition assistance to a female student who values a Catholic education, has a strong desire to excel academically and shows a strong interest in pursuing a career in elementary education.

This scholarship was established to provide tuition assistance to a male student who shows a desire to represent Nazareth in extracurricular activities.

The O’Hara family have been lifelong contributors to Nazareth Academy in so many ways. In keeping with their generous tradition, the O’Hara family sponsors this scholarship in honor and in memory of Joseph & Elfreda. Keeping the memory of these two individuals in our hearts is truly one of the most generous gifts the O’Hara family can give to Nazareth.

The family of Ronald & Jeanne Picerne established this scholarship to assist a student who displays a strong desire to receive a Nazareth education. The student should be well-rounded and focused on academics, service and extracurricular activities. The family hopes that one day the recipient will give back to their communities however they are able.

Alison Pomorski, a 1978 graduate of Nazareth, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in February of 1999 and died in October of that year. She was full of life, lived for volleyball - winning 1st place in the GCAC her senior year, was an office aide and served on the senior board.

The Purpura Family established this scholarship in recognition of Thomas Purpura's dedication to Nazareth. Mr. Purpura's son Dominic graduated from Nazareth and was a member of the Nazareth baseball team. Mr. Purpura loved to be in the stands and on the field helping in any way he could. He was a quiet man with a big heart, never in need of recognition. The recipient should share these same qualities.

The Sanders family founded this scholarship in memory of their son RJ, a 1995 graduate of Nazareth Academy. He loved life and lived it to the fullest, but was tragically taken from his family much too soon. His memory, however, lives on in the scholarship that bears his name.

Peter and Sheila Santori were active parents at Nazareth Academy while their son attended from 1997-2001. Their commitment to serving Nazareth Academy was evident during their consistent volunteering before and after countless football games, generous (some may say competitive) participation in Nazareth fundraisers, and overall positive support of students and coaches. The family of Sheila and Peter Santori established this scholarship to recognize a student who values education, teamwork and has a strong interest in extracurricular activities.

William and Fiorella Auriemma founded this scholarship to honor their Aunt, Mary Fran Schenk. Mary Fran was a physical education teacher at Nazareth Academy for many years and the education of young people is very dear to her heart.

Sr. Jackie Schmitz '64 served as Nazareth Academy Principal from 1988-2000. She continues to remain a beloved presence at Nazareth Spirit events and games. This scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who have displayed a strong commitment to the fuller life of the school and to building school spirit.

The Sobotka Family has been attending Nazareth since 1928. The core values that Nazareth instilled in all of them was not just education and music but also the Christian value of giving back. They would like others to experience the same Nazareth values and have created this scholarship to help make it possible.

The recipient of this scholarship will strive to uphold and live out Nazareth’s four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.

The Sunshine Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Maria DiNatale Madden '92. Maria was best remembered by her family and friends as happy, active, social, and a good friend. Her smile would light up a room when she walked in. The recipient of this scholarship should possess these same qualities.

This scholarship is awarded to an incoming Nazareth freshman from St. Francis Xavier School in La Grange who shows a commitment to community service and a passion for extra-curricular involvement. In the absence of a qualified candidate, an incoming freshman from another Catholic School may be chosen.

The Tucker Family Scholarship recipient is a student of color who maintains a GPA of 3.5 or better and shows a passion for athletics and exemplifies the pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.

The Turano Family Foundation provides the scholarship to a student's family based on need and residency in Oak Park, Cicero or Berwyn. The grant is also for, but not exclusive to, a student whose family is an employee of the Turano Baking Company or one of its entities in Oak Park, Cicero or Berwyn. 

The Uphues Family established this scholarship in memory of Robert & Virginia Uphues. Their love for Nazareth, their home town of Berwyn and St. Odillo's Parish were all part of who they were as a couple and family. The Uphues Family honors their memory with a scholarship that is given to a student from Berwyn or the St. Odillo Parish.

As a Sister of Saint Joseph, Sr. Ethel '45 wore many hats at the Academy. She was appointed principal in the '70s, Director of Development and Alumni Director in the 80's and '90s. She worked tirelessly for the cause of Catholic Education. Nazareth held a special place in her heart. The recipient of this scholarship will have the chance to experience everything she loved about Nazareth Academy.

Joan Valenta was a child of Yugoslavian immigrants who grew up on the west side of Chicago. She pursued a career as a professional golfer and it was her general love of athletics that ultimately connected her to Nazareth. Ms. Valenta had a special interest in our Roadrunner football team, its growth and development. Ms. Valenta was impressed with Nazareth students in her community and felt that a scholarship was a great way to impact and invest in them for our future.

The VanEekeren scholarship provides a female student(s) who demonstrate financial need and are involved in extracurricular activities.

Carole Herzog Walton, a 1955 graduate of Nazareth Academy and also a teacher at Nazareth fondly remembers her experience. The Sisters of St. Joseph had a profound impact on her life and on her career after high school. Carole loves English literature, which she taught at St. Mary's College for 24 years. Carole often remarks that "Reading is as natural as breathing". She has established the scholarship "To give many people one more reason to be happy for a Nazareth education!"

Jack and Mary Alice Wheeler provided encouragement and leadership to anyone connected with Nazareth. They always felt there were ways for everybody to contribute some time and talent. Before he passed away, Jack and Mary Alice started this scholarship to help make a Nazareth Academy education possible for more students. 

Deborah Stange Harris, a 1975 graduate of Nazareth Academy, established the Women in Business Scholarship.   Deborah fondly recalls her experience and education at Nazareth, which helped shape her character and overall career choice.  In 1991, Deborah started West Fuels, a local fuel distribution company.  West Fuels is pleased to support Nazareth and its students in helping to shape future women business leaders.  

The Yarka family have chosen to give back to Nazareth Academy as a small token of their appreciation for all that Nazareth has given to their family. As parents of two Nazareth Alumni, they have seen the impact that a Nazareth education can make. They believe that Nazareth nurtured their daughters spiritually and provided them with the skills to excel academically. They credit Nazareth with helping to lay the foundation for their daughters to become the successful women they are today.